As the NBA tips off its 2024/25 season, the Australian presence in the league continues to grow, with several players making key contributions. From seasoned veterans like Patty Mills and Joe Ingles to rising stars like Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, Australians are making their mark in all corners of the league. Here’s a closer look at how our Aussie talent is shaping up for the new campaign.
Dyson Daniels
After a strong Olympic performance for the Boomers at the Paris Games, Dyson Daniels will have to prove himself at a new team after being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in the Dejounte Murray trade. Daniels should see starting minutes and a larger role as the Hawks try to push for the Playoffs.
Dante Exum
Dante Exum signed with the Mavericks in 2023 and played a crucial role in the Maverick’s run to the finals last season. With Dallas signing Klay Thompson in the offseason, there will be strong competition for wing minutes, with the NBA Champion likely to take the starting role.
Johnny Furphy
Johnny Furphy was selected with the 35th pick by the Spurs, and traded to the Pacers, with Furphy originally predicted to be selected in the first round. Furphy will see limited minutes with the Pacers this season after they look to back up their conference-final success. He will likely have to prove himself in the G-League to earn a spot in the Pacers rotation.
Josh Giddey
Josh Giddey fell out of the Thunder's rotation in the playoffs and had a disappointing year last season. He is faced with a new opportunity this year, likely being the number 2 option for the Bulls young and up-and-coming team, after being traded there in the off-season.
Josh Green
Like Dante Exum, Josh Green was a crucial role player in the Mavericks' finals run last season but was moved on to the Charlotte Hornets in a six-team sign and trade. Green will likely come off the bench behind the young star Brandon Miller but will still have to play a crucial role if the Hornets wish to see any success.
Joe Ingles
What is likely to be Joe Ingles’ last season in the NBA, he has signed with the Timberwolves on a one-year deal. Ingles will be unlikely to see many minutes at the Wolves but will have a crucial leadership role.
Jock Landale
After moving to the Rockets, Jock Landale had a strong season as the backup centre for the side. The Rockets looked to push to the Play-in, finishing with a .500 season but missed out on the Play-in in the tough Western Conference. The Rockets will push for the Play-offs once again and Landale will play a crucial role in their 24/25 campaign.
Jack McVeigh
After a strong performance at the Paris 2024 Games, Jack McVeigh earned himself a two-way contract with the Rockets for the 24/25 season. McVeigh will see limited minutes for the Rockets and will have to earn his spot in the rotation through pre-season and the G-League.
Patty Mills
Patty Mills saw little to no minutes with the Hawks last season, but then a move to the Miami Heat saw him gain a bigger role, playing 16 minutes per game. He signed a new contract with the Jazz for the 24/25 season and will see limited minutes, but could play a crucial leadership role in developing the young Jazz side.
Duop Reath
Duop Reath signed a two-way contract with the Trail Blazers last season and proved himself at the NBA level. He had a career-high 25 points and nine rebounds in a win over the Kings last season, and this performance earned him a standard contract with the Blazers for the 24/25 season and the opportunity to develop his game.
Ben Simmons
After only playing 15 games last season, Ben Simmons will need to put in a lot of work to get back to playing games, and then, hopefully, he can get back to his All-Star level. The Nets will likely be one of the worst teams in the league next season. If fit and available, Simmons will have a large role and will have to prove to NBA fans that he can still compete at the level.
Matisse Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle missed out on the Olympic squad for Paris 2024 after a strong season with the Blazers, with Brian Goorjian seeing Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, and Dante Exum all ahead of him at the wing position. He will need to prove himself to earn a starting spot for the Blazers and to get back into the Boomers squad.
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