Ismael Kamagate

Ismael Sindou Kamagate was born on January of 2001 in Paris, France. As a child, Kamagate grew up playing soccer and was often placed at goalkeeper. At age 12, Kamagate began playing for the Basket Paris 14 youth club. In 2017, the lengthy youth began playing for Orleans Loiret's U18 club. Two years later, Kamagate signed his first professional contract with Paris Basketball of the LNP Pro B. In 25 appearances for Paris, Kamagate averaged 5.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. The 6-foot-11 big man boosted his averages to 9.6 points, 6.8 boards and 1.9 blocks per game in 2020-21. In 2021-22, Kamagate took on a larger role (27 minutes per game) and posted 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 34 games (33 starts). In an October 2021 loss to Chorale Roanne, Kamagate blocked nine shots, falling just one short of Derrick Lewis' league record. He was chosen to play in the LNB All-Star Game in 2022 and was also named the LNB Pro A Best Defender. In April of 2022, Kamagate officially declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. He subsequently was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 46th overall pick in the Draft.