OKC Thunder wingman Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is set to join his peers in the annual NBA Africa game
For one of the newest members of the OKC Thunder (Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot) he’ll spend most of his summer learning about his new team. That includes getting over his fandom of favorite player Paul George. After playing two seasons with his drafting squad, the Philadelphia 76ers his move to the OKC Thunder means he’ll have ample homework.
In addition to his offcourt work TLC was selected to participate in a right of passage for many young NBA pros. Each summer the NBA travels abroad to build the game in other countries. Long associated with the development of the game in Africa, Raptors front office guru Masai Ujiri orchestrates games in his continent.
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For those unfamiliar Ujiri also is the brain behind Giants of Africa founding the organization in 2003. Each fall he hosts an event in Toronto recognizing and paying homage to Nelson Mandela.
For the past several years Ujiri has also spearheaded games in Africa. This summer that event will take place on August 4th in South Africa at 11 A.M. EST.
Like all the players on Team Africa Luwawu-Cabarrot has an association to Africa as his father is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Team Africa:
- Al-Farouq Aminu – Portland Trail Blazers
- Bismack Biyombo – Charlotte Hornets
- Cheick Diallo – New Orleans Pelicans
- Evan Fournier – Orlando Magic
- Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot – OKC Thunder
- Ian Mahinmi – Washington Wizards
- Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
- Luol Deng – LA Lakers
- Pascal Siakam – Toronto Raptors
- Serge Ibaka – Toronto Raptors
The 10 players featured on the World team are:
- Danilo Gallinari – LA Clippers
- Dennis Smith Jr. -Dallas Mavericks
- Harrison Barnes – Dallas Mavericks
- Hassan Whiteside – Miami Heat
- JaVale McGee – LA Lakers
- John Collins – Atlanta Hawks
- Khris Middleton – Milwaukee Bucks
- Marvin Williams – Charlotte Hornets
- Rudy Gay – San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio guard DeMar DeRozan has withdrawn from participating in Basketball Without Borders and the NBA Africa game, sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 25, 2018
This is the third time the game features Team Africa versus Team World. Notably Raptors Kyle Lowry played last season and DeMar DeRozan was set to participate this season. Given the trade and conflict between Ujiri and DeRozan has chosen to withdraw from the event.
This is a great opportunity for Luwawu-Cabarrot who’ll also spend time with his former teammate Joel Embiid.