Luol Deng

Two-time All-Star and the most decorated British player in NBA history — carried the Bulls for a decade.

Luol Deng was born in Wau, South Sudan in 1985 and moved to London as a child. Chicago Bulls selected him seventh overall in the 2004 NBA Draft. His 15-season career produced 13.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game along with two All-Star appearances and the All-NBA Defensive First Team selection. He was the primary scorer and defensive anchor for Chicago Bulls teams that competed without Derrick Rose across multiple injury-riddled seasons — carrying the franchise almost single-handedly through the 2013-14 season. He captained Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics — the first professional team in Great Britain's Olympic basketball history. He was awarded an MBE and later a knighthood. He was the most important British basketball player in NBA history and a significant figure in the globalisation of the game. He founded the Luol Deng Foundation supporting South Sudanese refugees and education. His defensive intensity, professionalism and willingness to play through significant pain — he played the 2014 All-Star Game while suffering from a spinal tap illness — made him one of the most respected players of his era.

Versatile forward with strong defense, mid-range shooting, and leadership

First British player to achieve NBA All-Star status and Olympic captain

• All-Star 2x
• All-NBA Defensive First Team
• Olympic captain (Great Britain 2012)
• Knighthood