In addition to their reputation for possessing bright talents and an alluring culture, Arabs are also recognized for their intellect and creativity. They have excelled in a variety of fields including sports, of which basketball is our main focus here.
The sport is typically seen as American-dominated but has also been influenced by a number of individuals from other nationalities. Below, we have provided some information on persons of Arab background, including players, coaches, and owners who have made an impact in the NBA.
George Maloof Jr
Born in 1964 in New Mexico, he hails from the well-known Maloof family who run numerous successful enterprises around the West Coast. He owned the Sacramento Kings from 1998 to 2013. During his ownership, the club experienced success winning the Pacific Division in 2002 and 2003.
The family of Lebanese descent are also partial owners of the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. In 2017, two of the Maloof brothers famously wagered $880,000 on Floyd Mayweather beating Conor McGregor at Southpoint sportsbook.
It was one the largest bets amongst all the wagers and live bets placed on the fight at online bookies.
Gambling in America is far more controlled than in most of the world. When making big bets it’s always best to compare odds, as you will get a better payout. Fortunately, to help Arab bettors, there are comparison sites that list all the best betting sites. In addition, you will find advice on using a VPN so you can play legally and even find a top welcome bonus to boost your bankroll. Both newcomers and seasoned gamers can benefit from betting advice and strategies provided by experts.
Rony Seikaly
His basketball scholarship at Syracuse University brought him from Lebanon to the United States in 1983. Seikaly made an impression in the NBA as one of the first players born outside of the United States. Between 1988 and 1994, he was a member of the Miami Heat basketball team.
His selection at No. 9 overall in the 1988 NBA draft made him the first player ever selected by the team. In his second year with the team, Seikaly won the NBA Most Improved Player Award for his efforts. He retired from basketball in 1996 and has gone on to have a successful career as a property developer and a DJ.
Steve Kerr
Kerr has achieved great success in the NBA as both a player and the head coach of the Warriors. Stephen Douglas Kerr is an American pro basketball coach and defunct player. Kerr spent the bulk of his formative years in Lebanon.
For many seasons, Steve Kerr played for the Chicago Bulls. Alongside Michael Jordan, he contributed to the team’s championship success. As a member of the Bulls, he participated in all 82 games over his first 4 seasons. He won five titles as a player and has won four championships as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors
Abel Nader
Abdel Nader was born in 1993 in Alexandria, Egypt. As a college student, he participated in basketball at both Iowa State University and Northern Illinois University. In 2017 while playing for the Maine Red Claws, he was honored as the NBA Development League’s Rookie of the Year. He joined the Oklahoma City Thunder after being traded to the team in 2018.
After suffering a long-term knee injury, he only appeared in 24 games during the 2020-2021 season. Upon recovery, Nader played for the Suns in their Conference Final matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. He has spent the last two decades in the U. S., yet he still considers Egypt home.
Mahmoud Abdelfattah
A Palestinian-American, he was a member of his high school’s basketball league for four years, and later went on to play in college before his coaching career. Most youngsters transition from college basketball to the NBA. For instance, following the most recent drafting of college players into the NBA, pundits and fans look forward to what new players have in store. In fact, there are already questions as to whether Iowa’s Keegen Murray can cut it in the NBA.
Mahmoud, however, did not move to the NBA as a player, instead, he entered the coaching line. In 2010, Mahmoud became a student assistant coach with the Huskies. The encounter served as the springboard for his massive success in the coaching profession.
