With the 2023–24 NBA Preseason in the books, it’s time to take a look at the top 25 African players in the league, ranked in order ahead of Opening Night.

When considering qualifying candidates, not only did I look at guys who were born on the continent, but also included those whose parents are from countries in Africa. Last season’s production was taken into account along with age, this season’s expectations and future growth potential for each person. Key metrics that influenced each ranking were also highlighted.

25. Chimezie Metu — Nigeria

2022–23 stats: 4.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.6 APG, 58.9 FG%, 66.3 2pt%, 7.1+/- on court

Metu was a useful piece of a surging Kings team that was one of the league’s biggest surprises. His counting stats don’t look too impressive but he passes the eye test and snuck his way into decent position across a few advanced stats. His ability to defend, make efficient twos and contribute to winning are precisely why Phoenix snatched him up.

24. Usman Garuba — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 3.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 48.6%FG, 40.7 3FG%

Perhaps miscast in his draft as more of a dominant scorer than he is, Garuba has discovered his game in the league by showing off his defensive versatility, ability to knock down open shots and make plays for others. The Warriors picked him up on a two-way deal, but it isn’t inconceivable for Draymond-lite to play his way into a standard deal this season.

23. Chuma Okeke — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 4.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.4 APG

Health has been an issue for Okeke thus far in his career, but every time he can play he shows why the Magic reached so far to pick him up. Creative and versatile flashes on both sides of the ball are enticing for any organization and Orlando can only hope he stays healthy long enough for the team to benefit from them.

22. Zeke Nnaji — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 5.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.3 APG

Zeke Nnaji hasn’t had the opportunity to play as much NBA basketball as he and the Nuggets have hoped to this point due to injuries. However, he has shown flashes of good potential in the limited amount of time he has seen, shooting the ball confidently from three and defending tenaciously across positions. If healthy, he could be in for a big year.

21. Jordan Nwora — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 13.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 40.8 3FG%

It’s completely plausible that Nwora is too low on this list, but it remains to be seen if his microwave scoring production can actually translate to wins or if the most we can hope for are good numbers on a middle of the road team. He can certainly score the ball and does so efficiently, shooting 40% from three. As the Pacers improve, we will see what opportunities Nwora gets to solidify himself.

20. Ayo Dosunmu — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 8.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 49.3 FG%

A middling Bulls team was able to secure the steady Dosunmu on a team-friendly deal this offseason. There are improvements to be made if he wants to continue to see playing time at the point and an increased role, but his work ethic can help him get there.

19. Isaac Okoro — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 6.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 49.4 FG%, 36.3 3FG%

Okoro saw a drop in production after being seen as a revelation for Cleveland. The potential is there for him to be a good bench 3 and D role player but he needs to consistently show he deserves minutes and the ball by staying aggressive.

18. Georges Niang — Senegal

2022 — 23 stats: 8.2 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 40 3FG%, 77% 3PAr, 53.4 corner 3FG%

Niang knows what gets him paid. 77% of his shots are three pointers and he knocks them down at a high 40% clip. To get even more granular, Niang shot 53% from the corners specifically. He has turned himself into a specialist and exactly what the new-look Cavs need.

17. Bol Bol — South Sudan

2022 — 23 stats: 9.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.2 BPG, 5.5 BLK%, 87 0–3ft FG%

Bol is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA because of his limitless potential and head scratching decision-making. On one play he might dazzle onlookers with unreal ball handling and blocks, while leaving the same fans puzzled by unexplainable turnovers and missed assignments. This season with the Suns will be a big opportunity to prove whether or not he deserves meaningful minutes.

16. Precious Achiuwa — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 9.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 0.9 APG

A strong big man who has shown versatile scoring flashes, Achiuwa is one of a few young Raptors bigs with a bright future. He saw a slight dip in production last season (like most Raptors), but could be in for an improved year especially if Toronto ends up trading key cogs away.

15. Josh Okogie — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 7.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.5 APG

Okogie is a hound defensively and is capable of being one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league. Putting things together offensively has been the issue, but with the amount of firepower on his revamped Suns team, they may not need to be concerned.

14. Jonathan Kuminga — Democratic Republic of Congo

2022 — 23 stats: 9.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 52.5 FG%

A second year that was disappointing for fans and frustrating for himself might be the fire Kuminga needed to set himself up for a true breakout year with the Warriors in 2023–24. He has the tools to be dominant, it’s now a matter of putting things together mentally and showing consistent effort.

13. Ochai Agbaji — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 7.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 35.5 3FG%

The second-year player was a rookie revelation who eased some of the pain of dealing Donovan Mitchell away. He plays both sides of the ball and continues to improve his playmaking, shooting and decision making. The Jazz brass are high on his development and for good reason.

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12. Nicolas Batum — Cameroon

2022 — 23 stats: 6.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 39 3FG%, 83% 3PAr

At this point in his career, Batum is more than content camping out on the perimeter and hoisting from deep. It makes sense that 83% of his shots came from behind the line, as he converted on over 39% of such shots. That and his solid defense hope to play a part in the Clippers finally putting together a complete playoff run.

11. Victor Oladipo — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 10.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.5 APG

Coming off yet another devastating injury, the lottery pick turned journeyman must once again prove he can contribute when healthy. In the games he did play last year, he proved to be worthy of substantial minutes averaging double figures in addition to solid rebounding and passing numbers.

10. Onyeka Okongwu — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 9.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.3 BPG, 63.8 FG%, 68 TS%, 12.7 ORB%

Statistically, Okongwu is a younger, cheaper, carbon copy of fellow Hawks big man Clint Capela, cracking the top ten in many shooting efficiency, defense and rebounding categories. He’s even shown flashes of an expanding offensive game, which is one of many reasons he may be in for a big-time breakout year.

9. Victor Wembanyama — Democratic Republic of Congo

2022 — 23 stats (France): 24.2 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 2.7 APG

Unprecedented length, mobility and skill have led Wembanyama to be one of the most hyped prospects ever. So far, all signs point to the fact that he may even surpass these sky-high expectations. An ideal situation in the Spurs will help him develop into the once-in-a-generation talent he projects to be.

8. Gabe Vincent — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 9.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 65.7 mid-3pt fg%

A tough shot-maker, Vincent proved to be an indispensible piece to a championship contender. He plays both sides of the ball and plays bigger than his stature suggests. His tough mindset and efficient mid-long range shooting are underrated assets to his new Lakers team. Deep playoff experience should solidify him as a cornerstone of this group.

7. Dennis Schröeder — Gambia

2022 — 23 stats: 12.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.5 APG

The ideal backup point guard, Schröeder may have the opportunity to squeeze some starting minutes out of his new team, the potentially rebuilding Toronto Raptors. Fresh off a FIBA World Cup gold medal run where he was arguably the competition’s best lead guard, he should have the confidence to outperform his recent NBA stints.

6. Clint Capela — Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo

2022 — 23 stats: 12.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.2BPG, 65.3 FG%, 22.7 REB%,

While volume has not been there for Capela offensively, he continues to convert shots at a high rate, and rebound at an even higher one. His length and instincts allow him to make unorthodox movements to stop the offense in its tracks. He has been in trade discussions for a solid chunk of time now, so if the Hawks look to make a splash, he will be one of the first players to go.

5. OG Anunoby — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.7 STL%

Anunoby has the defensive instincts to be an all-defense candidate year in and year out. His 1.9 steals per game led the league and he also boasted a 2.7% steal rate while maintaining good shooting numbers and efficiency. He projects to continue using physical tools as a disruption and I would not be surprised to see him as a key piece of a contending team this season.

4. Pascal Siakam — Cameroon

2022 — 23 stats: 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 7.6 2pts/game

The rangy forward who can score, pass and defend is eyeing a big season that could have him up for a major payday. His craftiness and two-point scoring prowess are major assets that many teams covet, which is why his name has been in many trade rumors this past offseason. He may be wanting to stay to increase his odds of signing a supermax extension, but Siakam has a number of potential suitors lining up to trade for him.

3. Bam Adebayo — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 20.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 23.6 DREB%

A jack-of-all trades, Bam Adebayo is a big man who can do everything well. Capable of being an offensive hub and making plays off the short roll and defending just about every position from the perimeter to the post, it’s no wonder he anchored a staunch Miami defense that made it to the NBA finals. Another deep playoff run is in store for Miami, though it won’t be a cakewalk — Adebayo will need to step up even more offensively to make a difference.

2. Joel Embiid — Cameroon

2022 — 23 stats: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 37% USG, 28.3 DREB%, 12.3 WS

An off-season full of uncertainty may have the reigning MVP shouldering more of the load than is ideal. He had great shooting splits a year ago that powered him to the third most win shares in the league, but did it on the third-highest usage rate in the league too — and that was with an engaged James Harden on the floor. He will need a second straight healthy season along with a capable sidekick to live up to individual and collective goals.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo — Nigeria

2022 — 23 stats: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 30.0DREB%, 38.8USG

The Greek Freak logged the highest usage rate in the NBA and it’s not hard to see why — his consistent production more than warrants it. Despite being a far below average three-point shooter, adding Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks will allow him to have a lower usage rate (decreasing injury risk) while capitalizing on the paint shots he is best at. Antetokounmpo’s high defensive rebound rate leads to him to being a menace in transition, where he typically pushes the ball coast to coast to finish himself.

Honorable Mentions:

• Bruno Fernando — Angola

• Toumani Camara — Mali

• Mo Bamba — Ivory Coast

• Duop Reath — South Sudan

• Charles Bassey — Nigeria

• Christian Koloko — Cameroon