NBA 2024-2025: A mixed bag for African players, between revelations, injuries and renewed ambitions
A promising season for Cameroonian nugget Yves Missi
African revelation of the year, Yves Missi made his mark in his very first NBA season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Drafted 21st in 2024, the 20-year-old Cameroonian interior quickly found his place in the rotation, establishing himself as an essential player despite a difficult collective context. With 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in an average of 27 minutes per game, he was voted rookie of the month in December in the Western Conference.
His impact was all the more visible as the Louisiana franchise endured a complicated season, finishing second-last in the West with just 21 wins. Missi, lucid about this performance, said he was frustrated but confident for the future, ready to build on the long term.
Beyond the NBA, the player hasn’t forgotten his roots. He called on Pascal Siakam, Christian Koloko and the other Cameroonian internationals to rise to the challenge of AfroBasket 2025, scheduled for Angola in August, with the stated aim of bringing home a continental medal, a first for Cameroon since 2007.
Kuminga between individual progress and uncertain future with the Warriors
NBA champion in 2022, Jonathan Kuminga continues his progression with the Golden State Warriors. At 22, the Congolese winger has been a valuable sixth man, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for two months.
But Kuminga’s future in San Francisco is clouding. His understanding with veterans Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remains unclear, and the recent arrival of Jimmy Butler could redistribute the cards. Moreover, in the last decisive game against the Clippers, Kuminga wasn’t even used by Steve Kerr, a strong signal about his current situation. The Warriors will now have to pass through a play-off against Memphis to have any hope of reaching the playoffs.
Mouhamed Gueye, Senegal’s big surprise in Atlanta
Mouhamed Gueye, 22, has enjoyed a remarkable blossoming this season with the Atlanta Hawks, despite a timid start. Long confined to the G-League after being drafted 39th overall by the Hornets in 2023, the Senegalese pivot has taken advantage of injuries and roster moves to establish himself in the rotation.
With 11.9 points, 9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 28 minutes, Gueye has clearly turned a corner. His coach, Quin Snyder, speaks of a ” false first season” due to his absence last year, but says he is ” very satisfied ” with his progress. With the Hawks facing Orlando in the play-offs, Gueye could well be one of the Georgian franchise’s major assets. A free agent in the off-season, he holds all the cards to secure an extension.
Joel Embiid, nightmare season and lingering concerns
The 2024-2025 season will undoubtedly go down as one of the most frustrating for Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian pivot, MVP in 2023, played just 19 games with the Philadelphia Sixers before being forced to shut down completely at the end of February, to treat a painful left knee.
Embiid has undergone meniscus surgery in the past, and has suffered one physical setback after another, aggravated this season by Bell’s facial paralysis. Despite a $134 million extension until 2029, the 2024 Olympic champion with the United States has not returned to his best. He himself admitted that he ” picked up too early ” after his last injury.
The Sixers, orphaned by their leader, suffered a collective wreck, finishing 13th in the East with a catastrophic record of 24 wins and 58 losses. This raises serious questions about Embiid’s future in Philadelphia, and his ability to regain full fitness.
A mixed season for NBA Africans
From the promising breakthroughs of Missi and Gueye, to the disillusionment and lingering doubts surrounding Embiid and Kuminga, this NBA season has confirmed the extent to which African talent is evolving in a variety of dynamics. While some, like Yves Missi, symbolize the future and vitality of African basketball, others will have to take up new challenges to confirm their status or bounce back.
With the AfroBasket 2025 and the Paris Olympics in their sights, many eyes will be on the up-and-coming African players who are already shining in the world’s biggest league.
