Nigerian Players in the NBA: Performance Review for the 2024-2025 Season

The 2024-2025 NBA season has seen several Nigerian players making their mark on the court, contributing significantly to their teams’ performances. Here’s a look at how the Nigerian athletes are faring in the current season:

1. Precious Achiuwa (New York Knicks)

• Position: SF
• Games Played: 16
• Minutes Per Game (MPG): 19.0
• Points Per Game (PPG): 5.63
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 6.0
• Assists Per Game (APG): 0.94
• Steals Per Game (SPB): 0.63
• Blocks Per Game (BPG): 0.69

Achiuwa has been a valuable asset for the New York Knicks this season. As a versatile forward, his 6-foot-8 frame gives him an advantage in rebounding, with an average of 6.0 RPG. Though he has been utilised primarily as a role player, he has shown flashes of promise with his all-around game, contributing in multiple areas, including defense, with almost a block per game.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

• Position: Forward
• Games Played: 28
• MPG: 34.97
• PPG: 31.57
• RPG: 11.64
• APG: 6.11
• SPB: 0.79
• BPG: 1.46

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate the NBA. The 6-foot-11 forward has been outstanding for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 31.57 PPG and an impressive 11.64 RPG. He has been a force on both ends of the court, with his defensive stats—1.46 BPG and nearly a steal per game—solidifying his reputation as one of the most well-rounded players in the league. His playmaking (6.11 APG) has also been a standout feature this season.

3. Charles Bassey (San Antonio Spurs)

• Position: PF
• Games Played: 24
• MPG: 10.26
• PPG: 4.46
• RPG: 4.13
• APG: 0.46
• SPB: 0.29
• BPG: 0.92

Bassey has provided solid depth for the San Antonio Spurs this season. His 4.13 RPG per game shows his ability to contribute in the paint, and his block presence has been noticeable, averaging almost a block per game. Although his offensive stats are modest, his role as a defensive and rebounding specialist has been key for the Spurs.

4. Adem Bona (Philadelphia 76ers)

• Position: Center
• Games Played: 19
• MPG: 7.02
• PPG: 1.89
• RPG: 2.00
• APG: 0.16
• SPB: 0.05
• BPG: 0.53

Bona, a young talent for the Philadelphia 76ers, has had limited playing time this season. However, his presence in the paint has been noted with a solid 2.0 RPG and 0.53 BPG. As he continues to adjust to the NBA, his defensive contributions are expected to grow, and he could see more minutes moving forward.

5. Monte Morris (Phoenix Suns)

• Position: Guard
• Games Played: 30
• MPG: 14.17
• PPG: 5.63
• RPG: 1.57
• APG: 1.70
• SPB: 0.47
• BPG: 0.10

Morris has been a steady contributor for the Phoenix Suns, providing valuable minutes off the bench. He averages 5.63 PPG and has contributed 1.70 APG. Though he doesn’t post huge numbers, his ability to manage the game and provide scoring depth has helped the Suns throughout the season.

6. Josh Okogie (Phoenix Suns)

• Position: SG
• Games Played: 23
• MPG: 14.75
• PPG: 6.26
• RPG: 3.00
• APG: 0.61
• SPB: 0.87
• BPG: 0.39

Okogie has stepped up for the Suns with a solid all-around game. He averages 6.26 PPG and 3.0 RPG, showcasing his versatility as a guard. His defensive stats have been impressive as well, with nearly a steal per game, demonstrating his ability to impact the game on both ends.

7. Gabe Vincent (Los Angeles Lakers)

• Position: Guard
• Games Played: 32
• MPG: 19.07
• PPG: 4.16
• RPG: 1.31
• APG: 0.97
• SPB: 0.75
• BPG: 0.16

Vincent has been a steady presence for the Los Angeles Lakers, with his role expanding as the season progresses. Though his stats may not jump off the page, his contributions have been valuable in a supporting role, especially defensively, where he averages 0.75 SPG.

Conclusion

Nigerian players in the NBA have been making their presence felt across the league in the 2024-2025 season. From Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP-caliber performances to the growing potential of players like Precious Achiuwa and Charles Bassey, the Nigerian influence in the NBA continues to rise. As the season progresses, many of these players are poised to make even greater impacts for their respective teams.