As the 2023/24 NBA season is already underway, African players in the league are expected to start the season with a bang. Last season, African-born players and those of African descent in the league cemented the continent’s place amongst the very best in the game with the icing on the cake being the Cameroonian-born Joel Embiid winning the Most Valuable Player award. While it is too early to tell, it is equally important to acknowledge that a number of players of African origin in the league are already doing the continent proud this term.
The season tipped-off two weeks ago following four months of Summer League, World Championship, Free Agency and the several promotional activities that fill the gap between seasons. In short, six months of intense play on the courts await us.
The Denver Nuggets won their first ever title in June, easily beating the Miami Heats in the Finals. Denver was not exactly a surprise winner, having shown through the season how strong the team was. Miami getting to the final was a shock though, especially the way they beat more favoured sides like the Milwaukee Bucks and the Celtics on the way to the Final. It was even more impressive given that the Heats only got into the Play-Offs via the Play-in tournament.
So what is in store for the new season? What can we expect? How will African players fair in the season that will precede the Olympic Games in Paris? Let us take a bite at it.
First, the big picture. That is, the teams to look out for. In the Eastern Conference, the top two seeds from last season – the Bucks and Celtics – carried out major overhaul of personnel. The Bucks changed coaches, bringing in Adrian Griffin from Toronto Raptors for his first head-coaching role, Giannis Sina Ugo Adétòkunbọ̀ of Nigerian ancestry played a crucial role in the final decision of the club to finally hire him. Giannis’ name is pronounced as “Antetokounmpo” in Greece but the proper Nigerian spelling is Adetokunbo. After Adetokunbo gained Greek citizenship in 2013, his official surname became Αντετοκούνμπο, the Greek transcription of Adetokunbo, which was then transliterated letter-for-letter and officially spelled on his Greek passport as Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks proceeded to trade for Damian Lillard from the perennial underperformers, Portland Trailblazers. Lillard made the list of the Top 75 players of all time and is definitely a major offensive upgrade for the Bucks. But in losing Jrue Holiday (who has ended up on the Celtics team via the Trailblazers), they lost a major part of their defence and this may likely hamper them. For the Celtics, they kept their coach but traded away big men Richard Williams and Grant Williams, as well as DPOY Marcus Smart and other assets. Coming in were Jrue (to shore up the defence) and Kristap Porzingis from Washington. Expect the Celtics and Bucks to be major contenders.
Chasing them will be Philadelphia 76ers who still have MVP Cameroonian Joel Embiid. The loss of James Harden may be a blessing in disguise for Philly, especially on the defensive end. Miami Heat were the surprise of the play-offs and cannot be discountenanced. Also likely to make some runs are the Cleveland Cavaliers (largely unchanged from last season but with greater experience for the younger lads) along with the Atlanta Hawks of Tray Young. The Western Conference is where a lot of the focus will be for there are up to half a dozen teams there who can go all the way. The Nuggets remain largely unchanged from their winning season. In Finals MVP, Nicola Jokic, they have arguably the best player in the league and will not be easily dethroned. The previous champions, Golden State Warriors, have added the “point god”, Chris Paul, to a team that already includes Hall of Fame certainties like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. They will also be tough to beat.
The Phoenix Suns have also retooled through the addition of Bradley Beal from Washington. With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Suns have a Big Three that will rival any. There is also the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic (a potential MVP), and the maverick, Kyrie Irving. If they find a way to play effectively together and minimise off the court distractions, they will be a match for most teams.
Los Angeles is blessed with two contenders. The Lakers still have the legendary Lebron James leading them along with big man, Anthony Davis. Several quality assets have also been added and they go into the season as one of the major contenders. Sharing same building and expectations with them are the Clippers who have now added James Harden to a team that includes Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russel Westbrook. This may be the last chance of this group to win the Clippers maiden title.
Predictions are hard and the season is long. With injuries, loss of form, trades, and so much more to happen, it is hard to make predictions with any air of certainty. But it is hard to see beyond the Celtics and Bucks in the East. For the West, the Nuggets hold the slight edge over every of the other five teams favoured.
As for the Africans, it is likely the same of the same. Embiid of Cameroon (who has elected to play for the USA at the Paris Olympics) and Giannis of Nigerian ancestry (who represents Greece) will remain the leading lights. The Raptors Cameroonian Patrick Siakam, Josh Okogie of the Suns, and Gabe Vincent of the Lakers (both with Nigerian roots) will all likely make some impact as key role players. Congolese’ Jonathan Kuminga of Golden State Warriors (GSW) may well have the breakout season that his performances last season deserved. Should we expect another MVP from Africa? In the League, the smart answer is no. For the Finals, a strong possibility!
One player that is sure to attract a lot of attention – to himself and to his team – is Victor Wembayama of Congolese ancestry who stars for the San Antonia Spurs. The No 1 pick of the 2023 draft, this 7ft 4inch French-Congolese prodigy, has been long awaited in the league. His height, ball handling skills, and impressive shooting from mid and far range all point to a generational talent of the type the NBA has not seen before. The Spurs won the lottery to pick him – just like they did with Tim Duncan nearly three decades ago. There is every chance that Duncan’s various records – including winning five titles for the Spurs – may be under serious threat by the young man now affectionately referred to as Wemby. Time will tell.
For now, let the season roll on and let’s have some real fun!!
References:
- The Major Role Giannis Played in Hiring Bucks’ New Coach Adrian Griffin, MAY 27, 2023 BY JORDAN SAVILLE
- “The best player in the NBA is Nigerian” but most Nigerians have no idea who he is. By Yomi Kazeem, March 11, 2019
(Edited by Bimbo Ajayi)
