From Africa to NBA: Top African-Born Basketball Players

Basketball has become a global sport, and it is not surprising to see players from different parts of the world in the NBA. But the court has become much more than just a game in recent times, it's now a way of life. Fans around the world root for their favorite teams and players, with a passion that can match a case of the flu.

Over the last couple of seasons, it has been European stars that have been thrust into the limelight. The Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is of the first Nigerian descent, was the first of them, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a first Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in four decades back in 2020. Then came Nikola Jokic, winning back-to-back MVP awards before leading the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA Championship. While that was the story of the 2022/23 season, another was the fact that the giant Serb was pipped to a third straight MVP award in controversial fashion.

The man who narrowly edged him to the award is the first man on our list, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Joel Embiid

Cameroon-born Joel Embiid is the star of the show over at the Wells Fargo Center. The 29-year-old was selected third overall by the Pennsylvania outfit back at the 2014 draft but struggled in his first two seasons due to injuries. He secured an All-Rookie selection in his first full campaign back in 2017 and since then he has gone on to become one of the best big men in the league, securing all-star honors on six occasions.

But it was the most recently concluded campaign that was Embiid's best. He set the league alight with his blistering 33.1 points per game record, leaving the powers that be only one choice in naming him the MVP. The decision was a controversial one, especially considering the aforementioned Jokic missing out on becoming just the fourth man in history - after Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird - to win a trifecta of consecutive MVP awards.

We're sure that won't have bothered him too much mind you, especially considering that he ended the season with his first-ever Championship ring. That is something Embiid is hoping for himself this term and he has led the 76ers to third place in the Eastern Conference thanks to them building up an impressive 21-9 record. As a result, Bovada sportsbook now makes them a +1400 sixth-favorite for glory this season, and should they go on to achieve success it would be the franchise's first championship in over 40 years.

Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon is no doubt one of the best African-born basketball players in history. The Nigerian-American is a proud Hall of Famer and a multiple-time MVP winner. The former Houston Cougars standout was the first African-born player to be drafted in the first round back in 1984, with the Rockets opting to keep the big man in the Lone Star State, and they wouldn't regret it. He led the outfit to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, securing MVP honors in the first of those triumphs in the process.

He also played for the Toronto Raptors in the twilight years of his career, but it was in Space City that he became a legend, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. His footwork and unique playing style have been emulated by many players to date, but none of those bootlegs managed to secure a mighty 12 All-Star selection as Olajuwon did.

Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka is a Congolese-Spanish player who currently plays for German side Bayern Munich, which regularly features in the EuroLeague, the pinnacle of basketball across the pond. Prior to that, he embarked on a 14-year career in the NBA, playing for four separate sides in the process. The curtain came down on his North American adventures back in the summer after a year alongside Giannis in Milwaukee, and now he aims to add the European top flight to the NBA championship he won back in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors alongside Kawhi Leonard.

Ibaka has a wealth of experience in the NBA, having played for three different teams - the Oklahoma City Thunder, the aforementioned Raptors, the Los Angeles Clippers, and finally the Bucks. The Brazzaville-born giant is unsurprisingly a strong defender considering his enormous 2.11m stature and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive team three times. He has also won an Olympic silver medal back in London 2012 while playing for the Spanish national team alongside Ricky Rubio.

Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo is a retired basketball player from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mutombo played in the NBA from 1991 to 2009 and was one of the best defensive players of his time. He is remembered for his iconic finger wag after blocking a shot or making a big play. Mutombo has won four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, an Olympic silver medal, and is a Hall of Famer. He has also been involved in humanitarian work and has made a significant impact on his homeland.