5 amazing Africans who became NBA greats feat. Hakeem Olajuwon
The NBA has evolved significantly since it was founded in 1946. As great as the contribution of American players has been in taking the league to new heights, the contribution of African players cannot go unnoticed.
As the league began recruiting beyond American borders, a few African players tried their luck. While there has been a great influx of foreign players in the NBA, the African continent is still underrepresented.
Here is the list of the greatest African-origin players in the league's history.
5 amazing Africans who became NBA greats
#5 Luol Deng
Born in South Sudan, Luol Deng played 15 years in the league, and spent most of his time with the Chicago Bulls. He spent 10 years with Chicago, and for the rest of his career, Deng played for different teams including Miami Heat, LA Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Deng was selected No. 7 overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns but was traded to the Chicago Bulls before the season began. When Deng played with the Bulls, he was one of the primary choices on offense, along with Derrick Rose.
In his 15-year career, Deng was selected as an All-Star twice. He also made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2012. In 902 games, Deng averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
#4 Manute Bol
Born in South Sudan, Manute Bol ranks second in all-time blocks per game. Bol didn't have a long career in the league but he established himself as one of the best block machines.
In his rookie year in the 1985-86 season, Bol led the league in blocks per game averaging 5.0 bpg in 80 games. Despite the block party, Bol never won the DPOY award.
In 12 seasons in the league, Manute Bol averaged 2.6 points and 3.3 blocks per game.
#3 Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid can end up being the greatest African player in the league's history. However, the Philadelphia 76ers star still has a championship missing from his resume. Embiid was born in Cameroon in 1994.
Embiid earned the title of scoring champion twice, and has been selected as an All-Star seven times in his career. The 30-year-old Sixers star has been named in the All-NBA Team five times.
In 433 games in his still-hot career, Embiid averages 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.6 rebounds per game.
#2 Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo's NBA resume still remains one of the greatest in NBA history. Born in Congo in 1966, Mutombo is largely considered one of the greatest defensive players the league has ever seen.
During his 18 years in the league, Mutombo was selected as an All-Star eight times. He made it to the All-NBA Team three times, and the All-Defensive Team six times.
Mutombo is a four-time Defensive Player Of The Year, a two-time rebounding leader, and a three-time blocks leader. Both the Atlanta Hawks and the Denver Nuggets have retired his jersey.
#1 Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon is by far the greatest African player in the league's history. Born in Nigeria, Olajuwon was a two-time champion and a two-time Finals MVP. Olajuwon played 17 seasons with the Houston Rockets and one season with the Toronto Raptors in his 18-year career.
Olajuwon was a 12-time All-Star, made the All-NBA Team selection 12 times, and All-Defensive team nine times. He is also a two-time rebounding and a three-time block leader.
Olajuwon was also the league MVP in 1994 and DPOY in 1993 and 1994. He is only one of five players in the league's history who won MVP and DPOY in the same year. In 1238 games, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.