As the NBA continues to embrace its global growth, Pascal Siakam has quietly become one of the most impactful international players of his generation.
The Indiana Pacers forward just passed Serge Ibaka to become the third-highest playoff scorer among African-born players, a distinction that further highlights his enduring postseason excellence.
Born in Cameroon, Siakam has long flown under the radar when compared to some of the league’s more vocal stars. Yet his output in big games continues to stack up.
Following Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Siakam now has 1,624 career playoff points – putting him behind only Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon (3,755) and two-time MVP Steve Nash (2,072) on the all-time list for players born in Africa, per HoopsHype.
Although Siakam hasn’t reached the individual accolades of the two legends ahead of him – Olajuwon with his two NBA titles and Nash with his back-to-back MVPs – his consistent production in the postseason has become difficult to ignore.
Most recently, he was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP for leading Indiana to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.
Africa’s NBA influence continues to rise
The significance of Siakam’s climb isn’t just personal – it also reflects the expanding role of African-born talent in the NBA.
Players like Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo (whose parents are Nigerian), and Siakam are continuing the legacy laid down by Olajuwon and Mutombo in the 1990s.
In recent years, the NBA has increased investment in African basketball infrastructure, including the launch of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the development of training academies across the continent.
Siakam’s rise – from Douala, Cameroon, to an NBA All-Star and champion – serves as a blueprint for many aspiring African athletes now entering the game.
“I don’t think we often see him in the same way we see Steve Nash and Hakeem Olajuwon,” one analyst observed. “But Siakam has made large contributions to winning basketball in the playoffs.”
At just 31, Siakam still has several peak years ahead. If the Pacers remain competitive in the East – and he continues to be their go-to offensive threat – he stands a good chance of overtaking Nash on the list.
Olajuwon’s 3,755 points may be out of reach for now, but Siakam’s growing total puts him firmly in the conversation.
For a player often underrated in league-wide discussions, this latest achievement offers proof of his staying power. He may not always generate headlines, but Siakam’s steady playoff production now places him among the greatest African-born players to ever suit up in the NBA.
Read the full article here
