While the NBA new season 2020/2021 is about to begin, if things do happen as planned, by the end of December (22^nd), some big move has already occurred in the franchises regarding players’ departures and arrivals, and you may find it hard to recognize Oklahoma or Detroit after this.

African fellows are no exception

After four years fighting for the Toronto Raptors (2017-2020) and a wonderful NBA ring grabbed in 2019 against the Golden State Warriors of Stephen Curry, Spanish Congolese center Serge Ibaka will discover the joys of the Western Conference. The Brazzaville native signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, big disappointment of the last season who will try to do better this year with Tyronn Lue as a coach, following Doc River’s sacking.

The L.A franchise will be Nicolas Batum’s new home as well. The French forward, Cameroonian roots, must be considering this new start as a breath of fresh air after some difficult times with the Charlotte Hornets symbolized by 3,6 points and 23 minutes played on average per game. The Clippers, whose team will be left by French player Joakim Noah, who is said to retire and whose contract was not extended by the franchise: the former Bull center from Cameroonian origin had signed with the Clippers in June.

German Gambian point guard Dennis Schröder, who experimented his best season in career last year, is leaving OKC for the Lakers. Accustomed to getting out of the bench, Schröder has great chances to still be in such a position with the champions in title who already rely on Lebron James and Rajon Rondo to lead the team. With 19 points and 4 assists on average last season, Schröder can make his own contribution to a team that is already well provided.

In the meantime

Russell Westbrook and Houston, end of story. The point guard, whose arrival in Texas was not the best success of all times, will play with the Washington Wizards this season. The first time for him in the Eastern Conference.

Chris Paul, former Thunder player, was sent to the Phoenix Suns, who see their Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio go to Minnesota.

Steven Adams and Danilo Gallinari leave OKC as well, respectively for New Orleans and Atlanta.

Gordon Hayward leaves the C’s of Boston for Charlotte. In the meantime, Dwight Howard bids farewell to the Lakers for the second time in his career and joins the Philadelphia Sixers as a back up for Cameroonian center Joel Embiid.

source Equipe France