Dirk Nowitzki, Kemba Walker named captains for NBA Africa Game 2017

AJ Neuharth-Keusch | USA TODAY

NBA Africa Game 2017, which will be the league's second game ever played in Africa, will feature Dirk Nowitzki, Kemba Walker, Thabo Sefolosha and Luol Deng as team captains, the NBA announced Monday.

The game, scheduled to be played on Aug. 5 in Johannesburg after the 15th edition of Basketball without Borders Africa, will follow the same Team Africa vs. Team World format as NBA Africa Game 2015.

Team Africa will be made up of players from Africa and second generation African players, including Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo and Denver Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay. Team World will be comprised of players from the rest of the world, including Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard C.J. McCollum. Nowitzki and Walker will co-captain Team World, while Deng and Sefolosha will lead Team Africa.

NBA Africa Game 2015 featured NBA stars and legends Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo, Chris Paul, Bradley Beal and Marc and Pau Gasol.

“I’m really excited to represent Team World in the second NBA Africa Game this summer," Nowitzki said in a statement. "I also look forward to returning to South Africa after taking part in the Basketball without Borders Africa camp eight years ago. It’s great to see how the game is growing across the continent, and I’m honored to be a part of this historic event.”

Walker added: “I can’t wait to make my first trip to Africa and join Dirk in leading Team World. Playing in an NBA game in Africa will be a special moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

The game will be played in support of UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SOS Children's Villages South Africa. Full rosters of players and coaches will be announced at a later date.