Africa providing ‘incredible talent’ for NBA

Nigeria-born Adem Bona (right) could feature alongside Joel Embiid, who grew up in Cameroon, for the Philadelphia 76ers this season [Getty Images]

Nigeria’s Hakeem Olajuwon opened the doors for Africans in the National Basketball Association (NBA) four decades ago and three more young centres with links to the continent are set to follow his path this season.

Cameroon international Ulrich Chomche was the youngest player picked in June’s NBA Draft while Yves Missi also grew up in the Central African nation and Adem Bona was born in Lagos, Nigeria.

The trio, on the rosters of Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers respectively, join an estimated 10% of current NBA players that were either born in Africa or have one parent who was born on the continent.

“You’re seeing an incredible amount of talent coming out of the continent,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum told BBC Sport Africa.

“Two of the last three Most Valuable Players were Joel Embiid, from Cameroon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo who has Nigerian roots.

“Victor Wembanyama, the number one draft pick and the Rookie of the Year this past year, again, has African roots.”

As the 2024-25 season tips off, five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher believes Embiid, who opted to represent the USA, could help the 76ers win their first title since 1983.

“Joel has spoken about wanting to stay healthy specifically for the NBA play-offs,” Fisher told BBC Sport Africa.

“We’ve never seen Joel healthy in the play-offs before. If that happens, I do think that makes the 76ers a team to watch in the Eastern Conference.”

Eyes on Celtics and James family

Fisher, who won all his titles with the LA Lakers in a career spanning 18 years, believes that defending champions Boston Celtics are still the team to beat.

“There’s no reason to believe the Celtics don’t have a great chance to come out of the East again,” he said.

“I do think the 76ers will challenge them.

“In the West I think it’s more of a toss-up. There’s so many great teams it is hard to pick one.

“I would say you should watch out for Oklahoma City Thunder. And I think the Denver Nuggets could be back at the top.”

Beyond…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/africa-providing-incredible-talent-nba-121848771.html

Author : BBC

Publish date : 2024-10-22 12:18:00

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