NBA: 10 Africans, 10 challenges for the new season (2/2)
NBA: Mo Bamba has struggled to live up to expectations. The Ivorian big man spent five unremarkable seasons in Orlando.
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Jordan Nwora (Indiana), time to make his mark
Already an NBA champion with the Bucks in 2021, in his rookie year, Jordan Nwora left Wisconsin last February. The Nigerian forward has settled in at Indiana. With the Pacers his playing time went from 16 to 25 minutes and he used it to show he could carve out a good place for himself in the NBA. The son of former Nigeria coach Alex Nwora, Jordan had already shown the extent of his talent with the D-Tigers. This 5th season in the league could allow him to shine consistently and, why not, contend for the MIP (Most Improved Player) award. In 24 games with Indiana, he is averaging 13 points, more than double his output in Milwaukee (6 pts).
Georges Niang (Cleveland), a new challenge
A role player at Utah, where he spent four seasons, Georges Niang was an important member of the Sixers' second unit over the past two years. The Senegalese power forward, a very good defender, will discover a new team. A new challenge for him. He has signed for three seasons with Cleveland, where he will be reunited with Donavan Mitchell, whom he played alongside at the Jazz. He will most likely be a key contributor off the bench again. Because beyond his defensive qualities, Niang is a real sharpshooter from behind the arc.
Mo Bamba (Sixers), finally ready to take off
Had everything gone smoothly for him, he would surely be among the best centres in the NBA. But since being drafted 6th by the Magic in 2018, Mo Bamba has struggled to live up to expectations. The Ivorian big man spent five unremarkable seasons in Orlando. Signed by the Lakers last February to be Anthony Davis's back-up, he failed to impress. The Sixers decided to put their faith in him this summer to bolster their frontcourt. Behind Joel Embiid, the 25-year-old will try to finally get his career off the ground from the bench.
Mohamed Guèye (Atlanta), earning minutes and progressing
Drafted this year in the second round by Atlanta, Mohamed Guèye will be able to learn from Clint Capela. The Swiss centre of Angolan origin is one of the leading players at the position. He will pass on his rebounding expertise to his younger Senegalese team-mate, who showed huge potential first in the Summer League and recently in pre-season. Full of energy and promising on offence, Guèye also scored more than 10 points twice in the warm-up games. A good omen for the regular season.
Christian Koloko (Toronto), a fresh start
What kind of shape will Christian Koloko be in? The NBA's 3rd Cameroonian has been troubled for months by breathing problems. The centre, drafted in 2022 by Toronto, missed the Summer League and pre-season. Even so, the Cameroonian has shown some fine qualities in a few stretches.