At just 22 years old, Charles Bediako is already navigating the highs and lows of a hoopers’ career. NBA teams scouted him as a top prospect in Canada, and he went on to represent the Alabama Crimson Tide at the collegiate level. But he did not have takers in the 2023 NBA Draft, and the Canadian hooper joined the Spurs for the Summer League. However, the San Antonio side waived him before the regular season began. Now, he’s finally found a new opportunity and a home.

The Alabama alum failed to secure game time in the NBA with the Spurs because of a knee injury and other issues. Despite this setback, Charles Bediako spent most of his rookie year in the G League, where he played 17 games for the Austin Spurs. In 2024, he took control of his destiny by joining the Orlando Magic’s Summer League roster, seeking a fresh opportunity to prove his abilities. After which he has moved to the Denver Nuggets, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. 

Considering that Denver already has 15 players on fully guaranteed contracts, along with 3 others on two-way deals, it’s most likely that Charles Bediako would’ve signed a training camp deal. For the uninitiated, this type of contract typically includes Exhibit 10 terms that allow the team to convert this into a two-way deal or provide a bonus if they waive the player, who then joins the G League. The Nuggets likely intend to have Bediako play for their G League affiliate, Grand Rapids Gold, as part of their development plan.

Charles Bediako had a strong start to his basketball journey, turning into a 4-star consensus recruit out of high school!

Charles Bediako was born in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, in 2002. From a young age, he showed promise, using his height, athleticism, and natural instincts to stand out among his peers on the court. He played for IMG Academy at the high school level, averaging 13.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. He was a 4-star consensus recruit and shocked many when chose to join Alabama over Duke. He lived up to his rating, as he made the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team. 

At Alabama, Bediako honed his skills as a dominant rim protector and rebounder. The hooper established himself as a key defensive presence. His ability to block shots and alter plays in the paint earned him recognition within the Southeastern Conference, and scouts took note of his raw potential as a center.

Despite being somewhat limited on the offensive end, Charles showcased a convincing defensive game and after gaining momentum with two productive seasons in college, Bediako declared for the 2023 NBA Draft.

Many franchises were initially interested in securing a reliable backup center, who had recorded a massive 7-foot-3 wingspan and weighed 223.4 pounds. The hooper even did pre-draft workouts with the Grizzlies, Blazers, Jazz, Thunder, Mavs, Spurs, Hornets, Celtics, and Raptors. However, competing in the NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago did not earn him a berth at the Draft Combine. 

Bediako’s hoops journey hit some bumps on the road, but what lies ahead?

While Charles Bediako had no takers at the 2023 NBA draft, this was not the end of his ambitions. The Spurs were a saving grace, who signed him for their Summer league roster. They wanted to see how his defensive skills translated, in the pro-landscape, and if a reliable backup center was finally on the cards! Unfortunately, he failed to impress in the 17 games he was with the Austin Spurs.

Things did not go his way at all when he even suffered a knee injury. He persevered, came back strongly, and played in 6 regular season games, averaging 1.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in under 5 minutes a game. It was undeniably a steep fall from his Showcase games, where he averaged 7.7 points and 6.9 rebounds, before the injury.

So what changed? Charles Bediako’s defensive game was as strong as before. But it was his offensive capabilities that dragged him down. He was limited by his scoring ability and inconsistent shooting. The league has already seen big men covering the entire floor and expected no less from him. Having seen enough, the Spurs waived him before the regular season, after which, he joined the Magic for the Summer League.

At just 22, Charles Bediako’s NBA journey is only getting started. Things didn’t go as planned with the Spurs and seemingly the Magic, but his ability to bounce back and now secure a spot with Denver says a lot about his resilience. Nikola Jokic and Co. are certainly known for molding young talent, and the Alabama alum has the potential to grow into a reliable backup center.

To secure long-term success, though, he’ll need to evolve offensively. In today’s NBA, big men are expected to do more than just defend. Whether it’s adding post moves, improving his mid-range shot, or even stretching out to the 3-point line, Bediako has work to do. He may never be a go-to scorer, but if he can develop a jump shot or improve his free-throw percentage, his value will skyrocket.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.