Knicks invite intriguing African guard to Summer League

With the New York Knicks now eyeing the 2024–25 season, they’re trying to find depth to round out the roster. On Saturday, Afroballers on Twitter stated that 6-foot-4 guard Samkelo Cele would play for the Knicks in the NBA Summer League.

International Talent: Samkelo Cele’s Journey to the NBA

Originally from Durban, South Africa, Cele has played the last two seasons in the Basketball Africa League, earning a spot on the BAL All-Defense team twice, and was the second-highest scorer in the league this past season.

College and Early Professional Career

Cele spent two years playing college basketball, his first with the Southern Jaguars and his final season at Marist, where he averaged 8.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and shot .454 from the field.

Transition to the Knicks’ Summer League Team

Now 26 years old, Cele has been targeting a transition to the NBA for years, and this might be his best opportunity. He’s now played two years of professional basketball and has good size to make the transition, but it will depend on his ball handling and overall scoring efficiency.

Potential Path Through the G-League

The Knicks have a deep roster, and there aren’t many spots, but Cele could earn his way onto the G-League roster. There, he can continue to develop his skills and hope to make a transition to the NBA at some point.