Africa makes history in the 2019 NBA Finals
On Thursday June 13th 2019 history was made in the NBA as the Toronto Raptors became the first team outside of the United States to win the NBA Finals Championship. The unique thing about this Toronto team is that they are filled with many international players. Massai Ujiri, the General Manger of the team, is a Native of Nigeria and became the first African-Born Manager of an NBA team to win the NBA Finals. Serge Ibaka, who is a prominent figure on the team and a Native of Congo, is now a first time NBA Finals Champion. Pascal Siakam, who is the team up and coming young star and a Native of Cameroon, is the first Cameroonian to win a NBA Championship.
In the recent years the NBA has made a strong effort to go global. The initial wave of those efforts started in Europe. With prominent European figures such as Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and Pau Gasol. These hall of fame worth players laid the foundation for how international players can impact the NBA at the highest level. Yes, there have been notable African players in the past such as 2x Champion Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon who is a Native Nigerian. Or All-star defensive player Dikembe Mutombo of Congo, but the NBA is seeking more of those players to become more common in the leauge. In February of this year (2019) the NBA sought to expand its global efforts by announcing the NBA in Africa league which will consist of 12 teams. This league will have great impact and help expose basketball in Africa at a youth level.
With the integration of the NBA in Africa league the timing of the Toronto Raptors winning the title could not be more perfect. With three African natives apart of the team as well as many other international players, the global exposure of this team is perfect for the NBA. African youth can now look to players in the more recent era like Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakem as NBA champions. As well as look to General Manager Masai Ujiri who has become a trailblazer as a GM in the NBA for his aggressive style. This championship was a win for Africa, as a great opportunity that highlighted our citizens making history.
