Pascal Siakam's Finals run with the Pacers reflects the NBA’s investment in Africa, proving how grassroots programs are shaping global basketball success.

When the Pacers traded for Siakam two Januarys ago and later re-signed him, he was seen as the type of star for whom the Pacers had to settle. Indianapolis, being a non-glamour market, would never get a superstar to pair with Haliburton, so they had to search elsewhere. Siakam would have to be good enough. Across the board, he has been.