Emmanuel Mudiay, the Congolese professional basketball player, was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hailing from the vibrant city in Central Africa, Mudiay’s journey in the world of basketball has not only showcased his exceptional talent but has also contributed to the representation of African basketball players. From his roots in Kinshasa to making a significant impact in the competitive realm of professional basketball, Mudiay’s story is one of skill, resilience, and international sportsmanship.
Career
Guangdong Southern Tigers (2014–2015):
- On July 22, 2014, Mudiay signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.
- On December 5, 2014, Will Bynum replaced Mudiay as an injury replacement.
- Mudiay played 10 regular season games and returned on March 1, 2015, for the semi-final series against the Beijing Ducks.
- In 12 games (10 regular season and two playoff), Mudiay averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
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Denver Nuggets (2015–2018):
- On June 25, 2015, Mudiay was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the seventh overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
- Mudiay signed a 2-year, $6.3 million rookie scale contract with the Nuggets on July 31.
- He made his debut on October 28, 2015, recording 17 points and nine assists. Mudiay earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors at the end of the season. On November 6, 2016, he scored a career-high-tying 30 points in the first quarter.
- On February 8, 2018, Mudiay was acquired by the New York Knicks in a three-team trade.
New York Knicks (2018–2019):
- Mudiay made his debut for the Knicks on February 11, 2018, recording 14 points and 10 assists.
- On December 14, 2018, he scored a career-high 34 points in an overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets.
- Mudiay missed the final two games of the 2018–19 season due to a sore left shoulder.
Utah Jazz (2019–2020):
- On July 20, 2019, Mudiay signed with the Utah Jazz.
Žalgiris Kaunas (2021):
- On August 23, 2021, Mudiay signed a one-year deal with Lithuanian club Žalgiris Kaunas.
- On November 2, 2021, Mudiay and Žalgiris mutually parted ways.
Sacramento Kings (2021–2022):
- On December 22, 2021, Mudiay signed a 10-day contract with the Sacramento Kings.
Iowa Wolves (2022–2023):
- On November 2, 2022, Mudiay was named to the opening night roster for the Iowa Wolves.
Cangrejeros de Santurce (2023–present):
- On June 8, 2023, Mudiay signed with Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Puerto Rican league.
Family life
Born in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Emmanuel Mudiay came into the world to parents Jean-Paul Mudiay and Therese Kabeya. Tragically, his father passed away during his toddler years, plunging the family into the challenging times of the Second Congo War. Living amidst the constant instability in the region, Mudiay’s mother, Therese, managed to cultivate just enough coffee and vegetables to sustain their basic needs. Faced with these hardships, Kabeya and her sons sought asylum in the United States in 2001. Mudiay, predominantly a French speaker upon his arrival in the U.S., swiftly adapted to a new life. Reflecting on their cultural transition, his older brother remarked, “We felt like Americans.”
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Net worth
Emmanuel Mudiay has garnered significant recognition and success in the realm of professional sports. As of the latest estimations in 2023, it is anticipated that Mudiay’s net worth will reach an impressive $2.7 million. This financial milestone not only underscores his prowess on the basketball court but also reflects the lucrative opportunities and endorsements that often accompany the careers of distinguished athletes.