The NBA has changed from a league filled with American-born players to one of the most diverse sports.
In the last two decades, you would notice how the NBA international talent pool has grown immensely, with Africa providing a good part of this flair.
From Hakeem Olajuwon, the first African-born player to debut in the NBA, to Cameroon’s Joel Embiid and 67 other players born in Africa, they all have made a large footprint in the NBA.
Today, we will honor these talents in the same way we celebrated the greatest players to have ever graced the court.
Noteworthy is their contribution to paving the way for young men and women who dream of being in the MBA.
So, here are the five greatest African NBA basketball players of all time.
*All rankings are taken from the NBA’s Official Website
Dikembe Mutombo (Congo)
NBA Ranking: #304
During his early career, Mutombo often scolded his opponents, waving his index finger in embarrassing disapproval, making him popular for finger-wagging gestures. Though the league banned this gesture, it remained his iconic trademark and is a common gesture for many players who swat shots away.
Mutombo’s career was indeed one of legends! An iconic feat of achievements that makes him stand out as one of the best African basketball players in NBA.
However, do you know that he was known for other things aside from his finger wag?
Mutombo was passionate about enhancing child education and health care in his native country. He built hospitals and schools and raised funds for vulnerable mothers and children.
He was a great human, and the tributes during his recent passing are a testament to his greatness.
Resume/Achievements:
- 6× All-Defensive Team
- 3× All-NBA
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× Hall of Fame Inductee
- 1× IBM Award
- 2× J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship
- 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 9× NBA Player of the Week
- 2× NBA Rookie of the Month
- 8× NBA All-Star
Joel Embiid (Cameroon)
NBA Ranking: #278
It would be an understatement not to call Joel Embiid a force of nature.
He is almost invincible once he gets the ball, particularly around the free-throw area or any side of the basket. His jab steps, pump fakes, deadly midrange touches, and drives make him one of the most dominant NBA players from overseas.
‘The Process,’ as popularly called, is genuinely talented. If not, how will you explain a young Cameroonian who started basketball as a teenager and is now a terror for defenders?
It took Embiid two years after his draft to play his first NBA game. Sadly, his career has been marred by injuries, and his playoffs are often affected by them.
Resume/Achievements:
- 3× All-Defensive Team
- 5× All-NBA
- 7× NBA Player of the Month
- 14× NBA Player of the Week
- 3× NBA Rookie of the Month
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× NBA Most Valuable Player
- 7× NBA All-Star
- 1× Olympic Gold Medal
Pascal Siakam (Cameroon)
NBA Ranking: #403
Pascal Siakam has grown to become one of the best forward players in basketball.
Born in Cameroon, he was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2016 as the 27th overall pick. During the first two seasons of his career, he came off the bench but would later earn his spot as a starting forward.
That season, he became the NBA’s Most Improved Player and earned an average of 3.1 APG, 6.9 RPG, and 19.9 PPG. He would later help his team take an NBA championship, earning the right to be their next star.
In the 2022 to 2023 seasons, Pascal attained a career-high in assists and points for his team and has been overachieving both on the team and individual levels.
Resume/Achievements:
- 2× All-NBA
- 1× NBA Most Improved Player
- 5× NBA Player of the Week
- 2× NBA All-Star
- 1× NBA Champion
Hakeem Olajuwon
Career Stats: #13
In every possible way, Hakeem is a trailblazer!
A perfect center with agile and smooth footwork, silky touch, force, and an intimidating defense presence. He was the type of talent that uplifted his teammates beyond belief.
Commonly called ‘The Dream’ for his effortless dunking, his dream shake still remains the ultimate hooper’s move. As a rare superstar, he was the anchor on defense and offense.
Interestingly, he has become a forerunner for many current African NBA talents. Even Embiid admits to studying him extensively, and Antetokounmpo wears his number during his playing days.
Hakeem won it all, making him one of the most dominant NBA stars from overseas and paving the path for aspiring African NBA players.
Resume/Achievements:
- 9× All-Defensive Team
- 12× All-NBA
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× Hall of Fame Inductee
- 1× IBM Award
- 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 2× NBA Finals Most Valuable Player
- 1× NBA Most Valuable Player
- 6× NBA Player of the Month
- 12× NBA Player of the Week
- 3× NBA Rookie of the Month
- 1× NBA Sporting News Most Valuable Player of the Year
- 1× Olympic Gold Medal
- 12× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Champion
Luol Deng (South Sudan)
Career Stats: #216
Born in South Sudan, Deng attended Duke University, where his career started putting him on the radar of top teams.
Deng was later chosen by the Suns as the seventh overall pick and left for the Bulls that night. From that moment, Deng went on to become the best acquisition for the Bulls.
He was a well-rounded and efficient small forward who also doubled as a terror on the court. Spending nine and a half seasons with the Bulls and earning two All-Stars appearances alongside an All-Defensive Team.
Before he left the game in 2019, he would go on to play for the Lakers, Heat, Timberwolves, and Cavaliers in six more seasons.
Resume/Achievements:
- 1× All-Defensive Team
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× NBA Sportsmanship
- 1× Olympic Appearance
- 2× NBA All-Star
Conclusion
The NBA’s 79th season started some weeks ago, and 17 African players were cut across the league’s 30 teams.
This is the record for the most number of African NBA basketball players on opening night!
Without an ounce of doubt, the numbers show the growing representation of Africans in the highest-profile basketball league in the world.
FAQs
What percentage of NBA basketball players are African American?
In 2023, 70.4% of African Americans were in the NBA, 17.5% of white players, 2.2% of Latino players of any race, and 0.2% of Asian players. Also, 9.7% of the players were classified as either other races or multiracial.
How many NBA players are African?
There were 16 African players in the NBA’s 2022-23 seasons, which increased to 19 in the 2024-25 opening night season. So far, there have been 67 NBA players from the African continent. Africa has produced two NBA MVPs, the first Hakeem Olajuwon (1993) and Joel Embiid (2023).
Who is the best basketball player in Africa?
Hakeem Olajuwon, born in Nigeria, naturalized in the US, and played for the Houston Rockets, is the best basketball player in Africa. His success has inspired many African players and helped them grow.
