Bismack Biyombo (F/C, Charlotte Hornets), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 2.06m, 6-foot-9 | Weight: 111.1kg, 245 pounds | Born: 28 August 1992
Bismack Biyombo – the 6-foot, 10-inch flurry of muscled limbs and pure potential – made strides in 2013-14.
It's just a little hard to tell.
The third-year center out of the Democratic Republic of Congo (and No. 7 pick in the 2011 Draft) just posted by far his most efficient year in the league. He just played a lot less. On a Charlotte Bobcats team that made the Playoffs for the first time since 2010, Biyombo found himself backing up Third-Team All-NBA center Al Jefferson and his 35 minutes a night. Which left very little for Biyombo.
After averaging more than 25 minutes a night in his first two seasons, he saw just 13.9 minutes a night during the regular season. He still put up 1.1 blocks and 4.8 rebounds – numbers that would put him among the league leaders at 30 minutes a night. Meanwhile, he blew away his previous high for field goal percentage, posting a 61.1 percent clip (miles above his previous high of 45.1).
But while his defensive game remained among the elite – especially for players 21 and below – his work on the offensive end still needs, well, work. Biyombo's still adding the around-the-rim polish that comes with years of experience. But he's got a good mentorin Jefferson, who ranked third among all NBA centers in scoring in 2013-14.
In 2014-15, with Jefferson turning 30 and the Hornets looking to pace their stars for a Playoff run, Biyombo may have the most important ingredient to make a leap: an opportunity.
Key Stats
2013-14 Season: GP: 77 | MPG: 13.9 | PTS: 2.9 | REB: 4.8 | BLK: 1.1 | FG%: 61.1
Season Highlight
- In his 11-point, 10-board double-double in a win over the Cavaliers on Nov. 1 he took just six shots. He made five of them.
Top 5 Things to Know
- Biyombo started playing hoops seriously at the age of 14. He was drafted four years later, after making his professional debut at 16.
- He recorded the first triple-double in Nike Hoops Summit history, when he racked up 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks in 28 minutes for the World Team vs. Team USA in 2011.
- Biyombo speaks five languages: English, Spanish, French, along with Swahili and Lingala -- both official languages of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- He told Grantland in 2011 that he considers African NBA Legend Hakeem Olajuwon his favorite player, but also idolizes two Kevins: Garnett and Love. Garnett for his intensity. Why Love? "I love the way he plays the game," Biyombo said. "He's smart; he knows where to be to get the rebound. He's the best guy at grabbing the rebound over anyone. Watching him, that makes me learn something."
- Biyombo was the first of his parents' seven children. His father, who later became a government official, and uncle played basketball in the Congo's semi-professional first division league. (per Draft Express)
Check out Biyombo's photos and video in the LEAGUE section of NBA Game Time.
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