The National Basketball Association (NBA) has showcased some incredible African talent. These players broke records, won titles, and inspired others. Here are the greatest African NBA players:
Hakeem Olajuwon and the late Dikembe Mutombo revolutionised the NBA by paving the way for African players to have a significant role in the league.
There have been many players from the continent who have stood out over the years, but we have profiled some of the best.
For the purposes of this article, we have focused only on NBA players born in Africa, so those who hold African passports but were not born there, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo (Nigeria), were not considered.
Steve Nash was also not considered, despite being born in South Africa, due to having limited ties with the country before growing up in Canada. The likes of Luol Deng, by contrast, may have left their countries early, but retained close connections to them.
Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria)
- Achievements: 2× NBA Champion, 2× Finals MVP, 12× All-Star, 2× Defensive Player of the Year.
- “The Dream” was one of the best centres in NBA history. He led the Houston Rockets (102.34) to titles in 1994 and 1995. Known for his footwork and defence, Olajuwon remains the all-time leader in blocked shots.
Dikembe Mutombo (DR Congo)
- Achievements: 8× All-Star, 4× Defensive Player of the Year.
- Famous for his shot-blocking and finger-wag, Mutombo dominated on defence. He was respected on and off the court for his humanitarian efforts. Having recently passed away, he earned tributes across the world.
Joel Embiid (Cameroon)
- Achievements: 1× MVP, 7× All-Star, 2× NBA Scoring Champion.
- Embiid (111.33) has redefined the modern centre with his scoring and defence. His 2023 MVP win confirmed his elite status.
Manute Bol (South Sudan)
- Achievements: 2× NBA Blocks Leader.
- At 7’7″, Bol was one of the NBA’s best shot-blockers. Although limited on offence, he became an iconic figure. South Sudan’s basketball rise likely would never have happened had he not paved the way for generations afterwards, including that of Luol Deng.
Pascal Siakam (Cameroon)
- Achievements: 1× NBA Champion, 2× All-Star, 1× Most Improved Player.
- Siakam played a huge role in the Toronto Raptors’ (915.24) 2019 championship. Known for his energy and “spin move,” he is one of the league’s top power forwards, currently with the Indiana Pacers (52.93).
Luol Deng (South Sudan)
- Achievements: 2× All-Star.
- Deng was a consistent two-way player for the Chicago Bulls. He contributed to African basketball development off the court. Currently, Deng is the President of the South Sudanese Basketball Federation. He led them to the Olympics and brought through a new generation of talent featuring Khaman Maluach. Like Deng, Maluach has gone on to play for Duke.
Serge Ibaka (Congo)
- Achievements: 1× NBA Champion, 3× All-Defensive Team.
- Known as “Air Congo,” Ibaka was a key part of the Raptors’ 2019 title win. His shooting and shot-blocking made him a valuable player.
Gorgui Dieng (Senegal)
- Achievements: NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014)
- Dieng was a steady presence in the NBA. He’s also made a significant impact in Senegal through charity.
