Boomers on the move, making waves in the NBA

Australia’s basketball representation in the NBA is stronger than ever as the 2025-26 season approaches. A wave of new contracts, draft picks and team changes means the spotlight on the nation’s NBA talent is broader and brighter.

At the forefront is the duo of young Boomers leaders Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, who have both just signed four-year extensions. Giddey’s deal with Chicago reinforces his importance to the Bulls as a dynamic playmaker on a young, talented roster. Dyson Daniels heads into a new season with an extended contract in Atlanta following a Most-Improved Player award-winning season.

In the East, Josh Green looks to bounce back from injury at Charlotte, Johnny Furphy aims to get more minutes for the reigning Eastern Conference Champions, Indiana Pacers and NBL 24-25 champion Lachlan Olbrich teams up with Giddey on the Bulls.

Joe Ingles continues to bring experience and leadership to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he’ll share a locker room with recently drafted teenage sensation Rocco Zikarsky.

Over in the Western Conference, big-man Jock Landale shifts to the Memphis Grizzlies, adding versatility to a new rotation. Dante Exum continues his role providing depth for the Dallas Mavericks.

Centre of Excellence product Alex Toohey will get an opportunity with the Golden State Warriors, while Portland boasts the iconic pairing of Matisse Thybulle and Duop Reath.

In Cleveland, Tyrese Proctor was drafted 49th overall in the off-season and joins 23-year-old West Australian Luke Travers. Travers recently signed a new two-way deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and spoke on the leap, the League and taking the next step as an Australian prospect.

“(My focus), another year to keep getting better, prove I belong and to continue my hopefully long NBA career,” Travers said.

Travers excelled in the G-League last year and he’s committed to elevating further in the championship environment in Cleveland.

“I think just getting used to the new rules and spacing but also building confidence which I think is probably the most important thing,” Travers notes. “Everything we do right now is at a championship level, obviously with practice and how we play and prepare but even off court.”

There’s an added level of familiarity with Proctor in the house and with a stack of Aussies around the league, the green and gold is never out of sight.

“It’s been really good to have him around, obviously having similar experiences growing up and all that to talk about and banter about always helps,” said Travers.

“It’s always a sense of pride putting on the green and gold. Once you’ve done it once it hangs around with you, no matter where you’re playing — whether it’s NBA, NBL or Europe — you’re always doing it for Australia.”

And that pride is evident across the league. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, Australia’s NBA contingent continues to grow in number and influence.

The NBA season is set to tip off with the OKC Thunder vs Houston Rockets on Wednesday 22 October, 10:30am AEDT.

For a comprehensive preview of the season ahead for each Australian, check out this preview from Olgun Uluc for ESPN.