The new NBA season is tipping off with an unprecedented African presence, showcasing a major shift in the league’s global talent pool. A record 55 of the 135 international players either hail directly from the continent or are first-generation descendants, marking a significant milestone. This rise reflects years of investment in African basketball, particularly through the 2019 launch of the Basketball Africa League by the NBA and FIBA, which has nurtured talents like South Sudan’s Khaman Maluach, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft. The league’s commitment also continues to grow, with the NBA recently announcing plans to franchise teams directly within Africa’s most promising markets. This long-term strategy aims to cultivate local talent and maximize revenue, solidifying Africa’s role as a powerhouse in the future of basketball.
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