A Look at NBA Legends with African Heritage

For those who want to play basketball at the highest level, the NBA has always been the ultimate goal. It doesn't matter where one is in the world; no basketball league compares to the NBA when it comes to competitiveness and the ability to attract the best basketball players from around the globe. Players and coaches of African heritage have had a tremendous impact on the NBA, bringing a unique set of skills to the game along with inspiring stories. In this article, we look at some of the most talented NBA players of African roots and heritage to ever dribble a ball on an NBA court.

Joel Embiid

We have to go back to March 16, 1994, to trace Joel Embiid's journey to the NBA. He was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on that date, and little did his family know what was in store for him. Basketball wasn't Joel's first sport; instead, he initially focused on volleyball and soccer.

However, when he switched to basketball, his talent quickly became apparent, and his family moved to the US so he could develop his skills. While he was a student at the University of Kansas, he got the attention of NBA scouts, and the rest is history.

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Joel third overall in the 2014 draft. Although he was plagued by injuries in his earlier years, he still emerged as one of the most dominant centers in the league, known for his ability to score, rebound, and his defensive skills. Joel has been named to multiple NBA all-star teams and was named the league's MVP in 2023. Until he injured the meniscus in his left knee in February, he was on track to win the MVP award for the second season in a row, and it looked like the 76ers had a good chance of winning the NBA championship

When Embiid returned in April, many fans had high hopes he'd be able to pick up from where he left off and kept close tabs on his progress, with some wagering he'd lead the 76ers into a deep playoff run. As sports betting becomes more popular, it's become another way for fans to get even more involved in Embiid’s progress. Although the 76ers bowed out of the playoffs in the first round this year, there are high hopes for the upcoming season. Embiid has already performed well in the Olympic trials for Team USA and is expected, so many fans will likely be betting on Team USA to take home the gold in Paris.

Hakeem Olajuwon

No person of African heritage has had a greater impact on the game of basketball than Hakeem Olajuwon.

Hakeem was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on January 21, 1963, and began his sports journey playing soccer and handball. He later transitioned to basketball to capitalize on his height and agility. Before he was drafted into the NBA, Hakeem went to the University of Houston, where he played under Coach Guy Lewis.

During that time, he led the Cougars to three Final Four appearances. The Houston Rockets drafted Hakeem as the first overall pick in 1984 from a draft class that included NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Hakeem quickly established himself as a dominant force and became known for his footwork, defensive skills, and ability to score. He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995 and was named Finals MVP both times.

His other NBA accolades include being named the NBA MVP in 1994, winning two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and 12 All-Star selections. He also holds the record for most career blocked shots. 

Dikembe Mutombo

Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on June 25, 1966, Dikembe Mutombo would grow up to be one of the most impactful players of African heritage to ever wear an NBA uniform. Mutombo moved to the US after receiving a USAID scholarship and enrolled at Georgetown University, where he had initially planned to study medicine.

However, under the guidance of Coach John Thompson, his basketball skills flourished, and he got the attention of the NBA.

Dikembe was best known for his defensive skills. During his 18-season career, he was an eight-time All-Star and a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. His finger-wagging after blocking a shot became iconic, and he ranks second all-time in career blocked shots, right behind Hakeem Olajuwo