THE Africa Blogtable brings together some of the top basketball minds from across the continent to answer some of the league’s most pressing questions this season.
The 2023-24NBA Awards finalistswere unveiled in April and three international players, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) and Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks) were named MVP Finalists.
With the 2023-24 NBA MVP Award finalists revealed, the Blogtable writers share their thoughts on who will take the crown.
Sindiswa Mabunda, The Big Tip Off (South Africa):I believe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) will win the MVP award. The Canadian guard had a breakout season last year and continued with his impressive form this year. SGA ended the regular season with an average of 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game and the Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
SGA has established himself as the leader of the best team in the West, with the second-best record in the league overall. He has also proven himself to be a top perimeter defender, leading the league in steals with an average of 2 per game. Additionally, he was the third-highest scorer in the league.
Dallas Mavericks player Luca Doncic is among the three international players nominated for the NBA regular season MVP award. Pictures: Getty Images
Alex Isaboke, Capital FM (Kenya): My MVP is Nikola Jokic. Once again he has proved to be the best over the rest, with his stardom inspiring the Nuggets into the playoffs and on track to defending the title. His name is on the list for several major counting stats – he’s fifth in total points, second in total assists, and third in total rebounds – he remains my favourite.
Mor Bassine, Record (Senegal):I choose Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks for the MVP trophy. His statistics are above average – 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game. He is well ahead of players like OKC’s Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists or even last season’s Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic who averaged, 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds.
Tosin Abayomi, Pulse Nigeria (Nigeria): All three MVP nominees had extraordinary campaigns over 82 regular season games. However, the winner will be Nikola Jokic who has taken the mantle as the best basketball player in the world. His control of the game from the centre position is unprecedented, while Doncic has better stats in a loaded Western Conference.
THE African Blogtable brings together some of the top basketball minds from across the continent to answer some of the league’s most pressing questions about the 2023-24 NBA season.
NBA All-Star returns to Indianapolis from February 16-18 for the first time since 1985. To celebrate the nearly forty years between the two midseason showcases in Indiana and the return of the Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format, the NBA posed a fun hypothetical scenario to local and international journalists: in a tournament-style matchup between 1985, won 140-129 by The West squad, and 2024 All-Star teams, who do you think would win?
1985 East
2024 East
Vs.
→ Winner
Vs.
Winner ←
Vs.
1985 West
2024 West
The NBA All-Star 2024 is a global celebration of basketball. A record number of international players in the NBA taking part in this year’s games and competitions. Get full weekend coverage on ESPN and NBA League Pass and the NBA All-Star Game on Canal + and ZAP (Angola/Mozambique) on February 19 at 03:00 a.m. CAT.
Alex Isaboke, Capital FM (Kenya): Pairing the two sides, I will go with 1985 West vs 2024 West where the current West side, captained by LeBron James, I predict, would eventually lift the 2024 NBA All-Star title, because technology has aided develop the game of basketball by helping the current players perfect their vertical jump, dribbling and on-court intensities; which are the traits that define the versatility of this year’s Western Conference lineup. They have excellent playmaking with LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, and Devin Booker, fantastic shooting with Luka Doncic, Steph Curry, and Devin Booker, and pace and athleticism in Paul George, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with that intensity I do not think the Michael Jordan-led team will match, though it will be an entertaining final.
Amine El Amiri, Le Matin (Morocco): It is always hard to compare players in different eras. By just looking at the roster of both the 1985 and 2024 NBA All-Star Games, you can only imagine that the hypothetical game would be an absolute stunner. In the 1985 game, the Western Conference team won by 11 points, despite the Eastern Conference team being stacked with legends. But for me, I would’ve picked the Eastern team to win. In 2024, I think the West has more game changers and can rely on evergreen LeBron James to make a difference, along with the likes of Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic. Still, I think that the 1985 Eastern team has got more power and a more defensive team. Having five Hall of Famers as starters would guarantee the offensive end would be an absolute Magic show (no pun intended).
Damas Sikubwabo, The New Times (Rwanda): The Western Conference wins this year’s All-Star game, I reckon. Players on this team have the best scoring statistics this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Kevin Durant can light up the court with their scoring prowess. Of course, LeBron James and Nikola Jokic’s skills speak volumes. Of course, the Eastern Conference has great players as well, but I guess the Western Conference will be too hot to handle for them. Also, it might be fair to say that the Western Conference has been more competitive this year and this also gives them an edge.
Now, if this year’s Western Conference came up against with the 1985 Western Conference, it would be a tough battle. The 1985 team is a very good scoring team as well, as it boasts the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, playing alongside the Ralph Sampson and Magic Johnson. The two teams would be a spectacle for the fans. In the end I think the 1985 team has a greater chance to walk away with the victory.
Nicasius Agwanda, Clouds Media (Tanzania): First, what rules are being applied? If it’s the 80’s era rules, I’d take both the West and East from 1985 winning the whole thing. But with the current rules, my take would be the current West team because of just one reason, shooting. The size is there, and they shoot so well with the three-pointers being a subject of interest right now. The 1985 East was very good, but Michael Jordan was still young while Dr. J was two years from retirement. Shooting would be the main reason I’d choose the 2024 team.
Sindiswa Mabunda, The Big Tip Off (South Africa): In my opinion, the 2024 NBA All-Star Team from the Western Conference will win this year’s game. Furthermore, I believe they would also win if they were to play against the winning team from the 1985 All-Star Game. Although seven players from the 1985 West Team went on to be Hall of Famers, I think that the versatility and depth of the 2024 West Team in every position would put them in a position to win the game. The likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Nikola Jokic, among others, make it hard to pick the 1985 team over the talent we currently have.
LeBron James talents will be on display in Indiana in the All Star Game. Pictures: Getty Images
We must account for recency bias, but the size, athleticism, and IQ that LeBron possesses, combined with the scoring ability of Durant and Jokic’s ability to alternate between being a centre and handling the ball, along with Steph Curry’s shooting skills, make the 2024 West Team hard to overlook. In a head-to-head comparison at every position, they have the edge. The game would be tightly contested, but the 2024 West Team would come out on top.
Tosin Abayomi, Pulse (Nigeria): The 1985 squad had legendary big men Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Moses Malone from both conferences. The guard rotation of Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, and Magic Johnson were also in their prime. Larry Bird was the reigning league MVP and Julius Erving at the time was also a dangerous wing player. The modern-day game, however, will give the 2024 NBA All-Stars an edge in that match-up. The 2024 West set, however, possesses more scoring options from the guard and wing positions. With Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, and Steph Curry the 2024 NBA All-Stars are almost unguardable. LeBron James and Kevin Durant are the greatest to have played the game. They make it so much more difficult for the 1985 side to have a shot at winning. It would be a fun matchup though.
THE African Blogtable brings together some of the top basketball minds from across the continent to answer some of the league’s most pressing questions ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.
The NBA launched their Christmas Day campaign, “The Gift of Game”, celebrating the timeless tradition and magic of holiday hoops which will this year see five games for the 16th consecutive season on December 25.
Games will reach fans across the world in more than 200 countries and territories including Africa. The 76th edition of the NBA on Christmas Day will see Golden State Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks, Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics vs. L.A. Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns.
All five games will air live on ESPN, Canal + and NBA League Pass, while SABC (South Africa), ZAP (Angola/Mozambique), NTV (Kenya), Afrosport TV, NTA, Silverbird, TVC and ITV (Nigeria) and Clouds (Tanzania) will air a showdown between Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors and Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets at 21:30 CAT.
In the spirit of the Christmas Day brand campaign, The Gift of Game, what gift has basketball granted you?
Which Christmas Day matchups are you looking forward to?
LeBron James will lead the Lakers against Jayson Tatum’s Celtics. Pictures: Getty Images
Manyehlisa Lehohla & Sindiswa Mabunda, The Big Tip Off (South Africa)
Manyehlisa Lehohla: Basketball gifted me the dream of starting a media platform, The Big Tip Off. For the last five years, The Big Tip Off has been one of the leading contributors of basketball content on the African continent. We have featured NBA Academy Africa and great servants of African basketball like Thierry Kita Matungulu and Emmanuel Mavomo. One of our most significant achievements is covering the Basketball Africa League’s (BAL) Nile Conference in Cairo, Egypt, earlier in the year. We have also started providing up-and-coming content producers a chance to exhibit their writing skills. And as operations grow, we hope to pass that gift on to others.
Sindiswa Mabunda: I’m excited about the stacked Christmas Day schedule, which is always a great way to end a day spent with family. I particularly look forward to the third match-up between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Despite the Celtics having a better record and the best defensive rating in the league, their lack of depth will disappoint them down the stretch. The Lakers, on the other hand, have more scoring options beyond the arc and the ability to attack both sides of the ball. Led by Anthony Davis and James, who keeps raising the bar in his 21st season, the Lakers have been playing phenomenal basketball. When they’re in sync, they are almost unstoppable.
Alex Isaboke, Capital FM (Kenya)
Basketball has gifted me a lot especially in building up to this festive season: seeing the game I love open an NBA Africa office in my country Kenya was a delight. I will be able to see the game develop and more talent from the country have an opportunity to be discovered especially as the interest of the game continues to grow.
Secondly, the NBA In-Season Tournament was the best thing to happen to any basketball lover, that meant more games to enjoy and eventually seeing LeBron cement his ‘King’ status by adding another title!
A definite clash to watch out for is the Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets. Both teams considered as the powerhouses of the West, it will be interesting to see who will help their team to glory. Will it be Steph Curry for the Warriors or reigning MVP Nikola Jokic? It will be a closely contested affair, but I will go with the Nuggets for the win because they are a young team; they will have home-court advantage and with Jokic’s performance expected to be a game-changer coupled by sharpshooter Jamal Murray – it will be good see them extend their recent dominance over the Warriors.
Basketball has provided a unique opportunity to dream. Growing up I took an interest in basketball in my teenage years which has fueled my desire as a journalist to be versatile. The excitement basketball has provided me over the years has contributed to my passion for staying up late at night to watch the NBA and I won’t have it any other way.
The Lakers won the In-Season Tournament but have since suffered a dip in form. Facing off against the Boston Celtics, 17-time NBA Champions, and long-term rivals, LeBron James has an opportunity to galvanize his team to make a statement against the title favorites on Christmas Day.
The Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks match-up provides an incredible spark of excitement with the offensive talents on display. The rivalry between Devin Booker and Luka Doncic makes this a tantalizing affair to end the Christmas Day slate. The Suns team has not lived up to the hype this season. But they have an opportunity to remind the world why they are among the favorites in the West against a resurgent Mavs.
Damas Sikuwabo, The New Times (Rwanda)
At a tender age, sports played a crucial role in my daily activities. Basketball has given me a whole career. I have had the chance to learn from the best, I have also had a chance to connect with some of the legends of the sport.
In a span of two years, I have had the opportunity to travel more than 10 times from Rwanda to other countries in the region and beyond. I have also won myself several accolades because of covering basketball.
I am looking forward to the Celtics and Lakers game because both clubs compete at a high level and share a long-standing history. Equally important, both teams are potential contenders in the East and West, respectively.
Joel Embiid has been phenomenal for the 76ers and he will be expected to lead past Jimmy Butler and the heat.
Mor Bassine Niang, Record (Senegal)
Basketball gifts me every day- it is a game that provides a lot of emotion. It’s always a pleasure to follow the games, Christmas or not. The greatest gift is to fully experience what you love. Basketball is Santa Claus every day. And that explains the love fans have for the sport. Personally, I am spoiled to have experienced for the past 15 years the atmosphere of the arenas in Senegal, Africa and the world. I can cite, as an example, the Basketball Africa League which offers its share of joy and great atmosphere.
I believe that the Boston – Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers – Miami Heat games will be exciting matchups. These two games will keep basketball fans in suspense given the quality of the squads. The Heat are in good shape and will be up against the 76ers who are 19-8. The Lakers have just come off winning the first NBA In-Season Tournament and the Celtics lead the East 21-6. Exciting player matchups to watch out for are Jimmy Butler vs Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum vs LeBron James. These are duels which I believe will light up the floor.
THE African Blogtable has brought together some of the top minds in basketball from across the continent to answer some of the most pressing questions during the 2023-24 NBA season.
The race to the NBA Cup is finally coming to an end. The first NBA In-Season Tournament (IST) final tips off on December 10 (Sunday) with a battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers (03:30 a.m. CAT on NBA League Pass).
In a thrilling week of IST games, the last showdown takes place in Las Vegas.
The IST Final will feature two players from Africa, the Pacers’ Oscar Tshiebwe from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura (Japan) with ties to Benin.
The NBA In-Season Tournament (IST) champions will be crowned this weekend. What are your predictions going into the final?
Your breakout player of the tournament?
Sindiswa Mabunda, The Big Tip Off (South Africa)
Indiana Pacers combo-guard Tyrese Haliburton is my breakout player of the IST. Haliburton has been phenomenal, making pivotal plays in the opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also led a second-half comeback against the Boston Celtics, the second-best defensive team in the league. Haliburton’s playmaking abilities shone in the quarterfinals. He secured his first career triple-double while helping the Pacers secure a huge win over Boston.
He puts his teammates in positions that change the game’s momentum, showing how he utilizes the depth of the young team. The Pacers have put the league on notice and Haliburton is a rising star on one of the biggest stages the NBA has to offer.
Even though the Lakers aren’t firing on all cylinders to start the 2023-24 season, this is their chance to stamp their authority by winning an early title.
Los Angeles’ proximity to Las Vegas, will give their fans will also be key in inspiring them to victory. Apart from LeBron James, another player to watch is forward Anthony Davis, who is athletic and a good ball handler. He also shone in the quarter-finals against the Suns.
My breakout player of the tournament is Tyrese Haliburton, who is propelling the NBA’s best offence with the Indiana Pacers. Despite not having playoff experience, he has managed to handle pressure and played a key role in the Pacers’ undefeated run. His stats have been phenomenal as Haliburton has been the only player in the NBA averaging at least 25 points and 11 assists a night this season.
Damas Sikawubo, The New Times (Rwanda)
I am betting on the Los Angeles Lakers. Powered by LeBron James, the Lakers remain unbeaten, and I don’t think the Indiana Pacers will change that.
My prediction for the Lakers to win is not just attributed to LeBron, who, in my view, had a strong performance in the inaugural tournament, but the whole group.
The Lakers earned the top seed in the West by going unbeaten in the group stage of the inaugural tournament, and should Darvin Ham’s boys work on closing out games, the title could head to California.
Austin Reaves stands out as my breakout player, as for stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James, they will do their thing in the final.
James has been making and breaking records for over two decades, but the fun part of the In-Season Tournament is its newness and he has a chance to set records that other players will one day aspire to break.
Through five games, he ranks ninth in the tournament in total points (131), fourth in assists (41), fifth in steals (nine) and 16th in rebounds (40).
Austin Reaves has to show up to the party, for such aspirations to come to reality.
THE Basketball Africa League (BAL) today (Wednesday) announced that the league’s expanded fourth season will tip off in March 2024 in South Africa.
The 2024 BAL season will feature the top 12 club teams from 12 African countries playing a record 48 games across four countries – South Africa, Egypt, Senegal and Rwanda – over four months. This is a milestone for South Africa, and the league, as the competition touches North, East, West and South corners of the continent.
Also, for the first time, the 12 teams will be divided into three conferences of four teams each. Each conference will play a 12-game group phase during which each team will face the other three teams in its conference twice. The inaugural Kalahari Conference group phase will take place in March, followed by the Nile Conference group phase in April and the Sahara Conference group phase in May. The top two teams from each conference and the top two third-place teams from across the three conferences will travel to Rwanda for four seeding games followed by an eight-game single-elimination Playoffs and Finals from May – June.
The BAL will announce the host cities, venues, dates and information about how to purchase tickets for the 2024 BAL season in the coming weeks. Beginning today, fans can register their interest in tickets to games in all four markets atBAL.NBA.com.
The BAL also today announced Afreximbank as an official partner of the 2024 BAL season. The BAL and Afreximbank will collaborate on “BAL Advance,” a new program that aims to support the holistic development of BAL players and teams based on their specific needs, goals, projects and interests. The program will offer players professional development opportunities within the broader sports industry, including in event management, broadcasting, analytics, technology, and more.
