The 2026-27 NBA season is underway with Australian’s dominating the headlines from returning stars, big moves and even bigger deals.
Topping the discussions this week was the unfortunate injury setback for Ben Simmons.
An impressive pre-season display from the three-time NBA All-Star had Simmons set to join the Sacramento Kings ahead of the 2026-27 season.
However, an Achilles tear sustained during training with the Kings has brought his NBA comeback to a halt, with Sacramento subsequently waiving the veteran from its roster.
“Ben is a valued member of the Australian basketball community, and our thoughts are with him and his family as he begins the road to recovery,” said Jason Smith – EGM of High Performance.
“The past few years of managing injuries, navigating the expectations that come with elite sport and dealing with external scrutiny have undoubtedly been incredibly challenging for Ben,”
“While this latest setback was difficult news to receive, we have no doubt those experiences have helped equip him with the resilience, perspective and strength to navigate this next chapter.”
Joining Simmons in the headlines; two rising leaders of the Boomers in Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey.
Both players will be aiming to lead their teams to greater heights in 2026-27 with the Eastern Conference being as competitive as ever.
Giddey was a valuable piece on the Bulls roster last season until an injury struck him down and Chicago eventually barrelled out to miss the Eastern Conference play-in.
Boomers Head Coach, Adam Caporn believes Giddey is ready to take an even bigger stride forward this season.
“Giddey just does it all. Stuff's a stat sheet, triple-double threat. I think he worked really hard to get back. He looks really good physically,” says Caporn.
“We've seen him improve his shooting year after year. And I really like the opportunity he's getting in Chicago to have the ball in his hands and make a lot of decisions. He's going to have a big season.”
Heading into this season refreshed following right ankle surgery, Giddey will be surrounded by fresh faces in Chicago following a suite of off-season changes to his Bulls.
Another Boomer that Caporn expects to thrive is Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels.
“We know he's an elite defender. But he's also a very good offensive player, partly because of his feel and decision-making,” says Caporn.
“I think he's got a chance to be a really good two-way player, and an elite NBA player. And I wouldn't put a cap on him. He's such a high-character person, good worker, great teammate, that I really do think he'll just continue to improve year after year.”
With the Hawks vying for a push up the Eastern Conference rankings, Daniels now leads the charge following Trae Young’s move to Washington.
Accompanying Daniels in Atlanta for another season is Boomers big man Jock Landale.
Having been sent through the trade merry-go-round last season, Landale has found a solid role with the Hawks and will be striving to be a steady contributor within their rotation.
Another Boomer that’s fighting it out in the loaded Eastern Conference is the up-and-coming guard Tyrese Proctor.
Now into his second season in the league, Proctor is aiming to lock down a bigger role on a Cavs rotation that features Donovan Mitchell and 2017-18 MVP James Harden.
Caporn couldn’t speak more highly of the young guard.
“Tyrese Proctor is going to have a really good NBA career. He's on a really good team, waiting for a chance. When he comes in, he does well. So, yeah, I think he's poised to break out at any moment,”
“It's great to see how he's just improved his game in so many different ways over the years. Running a team at Duke, being more of a scorer for some of his teams in his national junior team career in Australia.”
Indiana Pacers’ Johnny Furphy has gained plenty of praise in just two seasons, with his explosiveness and highlight-reel plays shining through on a contending Pacers roster.
Having played minutes in the 2025 NBA Finals in his rookie season, Furphy’s rise in 2026 was trending well, until he landed awkwardly and suffered a torn ACL midway through the 2025-26 regular season to join a lengthy injury list at the Pacers.
“He's ramping up on court. And, yeah, I think with his size and shooting and scoring, he'd be a good addition on any NBA team and expect him to be a strong contributor,” says Caporn.
Three vets that have found new homes have been the defensive stalwart Matisse Thybulle, big man Duop Reath and sharpshooter Josh Green.
Thybulle and Reath had spent their past few seasons together on the Portland Trailblazers, however both players have moved for the upcoming season.
Thybulle has signed with the Lakers, which Adam Caporn values as a perfect fit for his game.
“I know [Thybulle’s] very excited to be in LA and I think it's a great fit for him. We saw how well he shot the ball last year after coming back from injury. That's really exciting and something we know is valuable both for the Lakers and for the Boomers,” says Caporn.
Meanwhile Reath will join the Phoenix Suns, refreshed from an injury setback and looking to make an impact on his new team.
“Any team is lucky to have him, and he will grow on the staff and his teammates, and his role will only grow.”
Josh Green has been on the move, from Charlotte to Minnesota and now Utah, with his new opportunity to be a strong voice in a young locker room.
“I think his ability to impact winning is pretty exciting. And one of the great things Josh Green does is just bring fantastic energy. And that's valuable to any team. But I'm really excited to see what Josh Green can do this season. I think it's set up well for him. be a great contributor,” says Caporn.
Two emerging prospects for the Boomers, Rocco Zikarsky and Alex Toohey are also looking for more opportunities in 2027.
Zikarsky is heading into his second season in the league and aiming to be a dynamic option for the Timberwolves.
At 7’3” Rocco’s been one of the hungriest Australians in the league, working hard behind the scenes to develop his game to another level.
“Rocco has really improved his defensive IQ from everything I see, which is critical for a big guy and shot blocker where he can try and keep himself near the basket with his voice and his smarts and use his shot blocking, continuing to improve his body and mobility,” says Caporn.
Meanwhile, Alex Toohey rounds out the Australians in the league, having competed throughout the pre-season for a spot on the Warriors squad following a lengthy recovery process from a knee injury last season.
Toohey’s upside hasn’t been lost on Boomers Head Coach Adam Caporn, with the 22-year-old still pushing to make an impact.
“His feel, versatility and toughness are at such a high level. If he can keep improving his skill, he's going to be a really good NBA player and have the opportunity to be a fantastic FIBA player.
“He's obviously getting back to playing. There'll be some ups and downs as you first get back after a long time out. And he may start the year with a lot of his opportunities coming in the G League, get himself into form. push for a regular NBA role which I really believe he can do,” says Caporn.
