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Australians in the NBA, Summer League: Full guide to every Aussie featuring in USA in 2025

As basketball booms in Australia, more and more stars from down under are seizing opportunities in the US. Michael Randall looks at every NBA Aussie and those in action at Summer League.

Boomer Jock Landale could be joined by an Olympic teammate at his new NBA home.

Days after it was reported Landale had signed with Memphis in free agency, sources told CODE Sports Tasmania was bracing for the loss of defensive dynamo Will Magnay.

The Paris Olympian is on the cusp of a triumphant return to the NBA, Landale’s new team holding an interest in signing the Brisbane-born centre after his Summer League stint in Memphis.

The JackJumpers, who left an import spot open in case of a 208cm-sized emergency, are already preparing for the worst, sources said.

In an indication Magnay could be about to break back into the big league — four years on from a single appearance for New Orleans during the 2020-21 season — the JackJumpers are already doing their due diligence on import candidates to fill his role in the middle.

SCROLL DOWN FOR A LOOK AT EVERY AUSSIE’S CONTRACT STATUS AND THE LOCAL NAMES TO WATCH DURING SUMMER LEAGUE

Will Magnay might find himself up against Anthony Davis in the NBA, after facing the star big man at international level. Picture: AFP
Will Magnay might find himself up against Anthony Davis in the NBA, after facing the star big man at international level. Picture: AFP

With $370 million big man Jaren Jackson Jr (turf toe) and rookie sophomore giant Zach Edey (ankle) both undergoing recent surgeries and in doubt for the start of the season, Landale is firming as the Grizzlies’ opening night starting centre — and Magnay could be his back up if he can win a contract.

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE

Salt Lake City: Sunday, July 6-Wednesday, July 9

California Classic: Sunday, July 6-Wednesday, July 9

Las Vegas: Friday, July 11-Monday, July 21

The 27-year-old has long been an NBA-level player, possessing the size, athleticism and defensive nous to make an impact.

But his fragile body has often cruelled any hope of a return — until now.

He was limited to 11 games in the 2021-22 NBL season with a knee injury and bone bruising that sidelined him for the best part of a year.

The NBL’s 2020 Most Improved Player missed the start of NBL24 recovering from a foot injury suffered in an off-season stint in Spain. Then, when on track to win last season’s NBL Defensive Player of the Year gong, a fractured toe in December ended Magnay’s campaign after just 13 appearances.

Will Magnay tries to put the clamps on Serbia NBA superstar Nikola Jokic during the Paris Olympics. Picture: AFP
Will Magnay tries to put the clamps on Serbia NBA superstar Nikola Jokic during the Paris Olympics. Picture: AFP
Tasmania is bracing for the loss of championship centre Will Magnay. Picture: Getty Images
Tasmania is bracing for the loss of championship centre Will Magnay. Picture: Getty Images

At the time, he was one of the NBL’s most impactful players, averaging a career-high 13.8 points to go with 7.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals — one of only five players in the entire league to average more than 1 block and 1 steal per.

Fresh off helping Tasmania to the 2024 NBL championship, Magnay was one of the best Australian stories of the Paris Olympics, coming from the clouds as a shock bolter in Brian Goorjian’s Boomers squad.

Magnay made four appearances as an enforcer during the Boomers’ campaign, producing 1.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks in a tick under 10 minutes per game.

2025 DRAFT PICKS

Rocco Zikarsky, pick No. 45 — Minnesota Timberwolves

STATUS: Yet to officially sign contract

Alarm bells rang for many on Friday when Minnesota released its NBA Summer League roster without the tallest player in this year’s NBA draft. Fear not, the 7’4” teenager, selected with pick No. 45 last week, was part of a trade that was yet to be ratified. As of Monday, Zikarsky’s contract with Minnesota was yet to be made official. A source told CODE Sports the former Brisbane Bullets NBL Next Star can’t sign what will be, in all likelihood, a two-way deal, likely over two years, which would allow him to split time between the NBA and G League. That way, he’ll get the chance to both develop under four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and find playing time in the second tier.

Tyrese Proctor playing for Duke.
Tyrese Proctor playing for Duke.

Tyrese Proctor, pick No. 49 — Cleveland Cavaliers

STATUS: Signed four-year, $13.2 million contract

A big winner out of the Aussies in the draft in that he was able to secure two guaranteed years with on the Eastern Conference-best 64-18 Cleveland Cavalier’s roster. Touted as a lottery pick early doors, Proctor battled through injury and a glut of elite talent — including No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg — at Duke, causing his draft stock to fall. It might be a blessing in disguise, with his short-term future secure, he can now go about building a reputation as a draft steal, in true Aussie fashion, of course.

Alex Toohey, pick No. 52 — Golden State Warriors

STATUS: Yet to officially sign contract

In a similar boat to Zikarsky, but Golden State included Toohey on their Summer League roster releases — with an asterisk that he’ll be available to play once the league approves a draft-day trade that sent pick No. 52 from Phoenix to the Warriors and his contract is official. A reward for hard work, the Warriors are saying all the right things about the versatile forward from Canberra, who has exuded professionalism from the moment he emerged as an NBA prospect, some eight years ago when he was barely a teen.

Former Illawarra Hawk turned Chicago Bulls NBA player Lachlan Olbrich.
Former Illawarra Hawk turned Chicago Bulls NBA player Lachlan Olbrich.

Lachlan Olbrich, pick No. 55 — Chicago Bulls

STATUS: Signed one-year, $968,000 two-way contract

Hard not to love the Lachie Olbrich story and he is somewhat of a unique talent who will likely play at power forward and centre in the NBA. Many thought Olbrich might have been a ‘draft-and-stash’ candidate, given the ideal situation awaiting him back with the champions in Illawarra with premier centre Sam Froling set to miss most of the season with a ruptured Achilles. But the SA-born phenom had other ideas, dominating his pre-draft workouts and combine stint, catching the attention of the Bulls. He’s signed on two-way deal, which will allow him to split time with the NBA club and it’s G League affiliate.

CONTRACTED

Dyson Daniels — Atlanta Hawks

STATUS: Entering last of a four year, $38.1 million contract

The Most Improved Player in the entire NBA who also finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year race, the Great Barrier Thief’s value has skyrocketed in the space of 12 months. Flourishing after he was traded from New Orleans to Atlanta, Bendigo’s finest set all kinds of records and his extension eligibility is imminent Sunday. So what does that look like?

Well, given Daniels has become a key piece alongside the offensively talented but defensively challenged Trae Young, he is ultra valuable to the Hawks and, with the addition of a swathe of milestones to his resume last campaign and the huge ceiling for improvement, Daniels has plenty of bargaining power, particularly given he can become a restricted free agent after next season. Add a projected 10 per cent spike in the salary cap next year and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Daniels could ink an extension north of $240 million over five years.

The writing was on the wall for Jock Landale in Houston.
The writing was on the wall for Jock Landale in Houston.

Jock Landale — Memphis Grizzlies

STATUS: Signed a one-year contract, yet-to-be-confirmed.

CODE Sports understands Landale’s new deal in Memphis will be for about $4.1 million over one season but can’t be made official until the club makes Jaren Jackson Jr’s $370 million extension official and waives at least one player to free up a roster spot. The Boomers Olympic staple quickly found a new home after Houston pivoted, quickly snapped up by the Grizzlies. The 2021 Melbourne United NBL grand final MVP and champion figures to get his best chance, yet, in the NBA as a possible opening night starter on a Memphis squad hit by injury to its big-man brigade. Landale’s combination of size, Aussie steel and aggression, silky passing and shooting and winning mentality make the 211cm Victorian demon one of the country’s finest active players.

Matisse Thybulle has exercised the option for the last season of a three-year deal.
Matisse Thybulle has exercised the option for the last season of a three-year deal.

Matisse Thybulle — Portland Trailblazers

STATUS: Exercised player option on last of a three-year, $50.2 million contract

Australia’s most hard-done-by international, it was a no-brainer for the snubbed Paris Olympian to opt into the last year of a contract that will pay him $17.6 million this season. Missed the bulk of last campaign due to off-season knee surgery and ankle issues. Likely continues in a back-up, three-and-D role.

Josh Green defends Jalen Brunson.
Josh Green defends Jalen Brunson.

Josh Green — Charlotte Hornets

STATUS: Entering second of a three year, $62.3 million contract

Similar to Thybulle in a three-and-D role in Charlotte, Green shot a career-best 39 per cent from deep and was a regular starter for the Hornets last season alongside NBL Next Stars alumni LaMelo Ball. Charlotte was objectively terrible, winning just 19 games, but the 24-year-old showed flashes of his potential as a plug-and-play guy who could help a good team win.

Johnny Furphy — Indiana Pacers

STATUS: Entering second of four-year, $13.1 million contract

The late blooming Victorian fell agonisingly short of an NBA title in his rookie season, the Pacers taking eventual champion Oklahoma City all the way to game seven of the finals. The 20-year-old enters season two amid massive upheaval around him at the Pacers, with star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton set to miss a large chunk of the season with a ruptured Achilles and beloved veteran centre Myles Turner taking the money in Milwaukee. Expect the tough, athletic forward to make the most of his opportunities on a team that doesn’t quite have the ceiling it did a season ago

Johnny Furphy on the move for Indiana.
Johnny Furphy on the move for Indiana.

Duop Reath

STATUS: Entering last of three-year, $9.5 million contract (third year not guaranteed until beginning of season)

The other Great Barrier, of the Reath kind, has a bit of a nervous wait during free agency on the last year of his contract as he awaits guarantee date. All things considered, though, the South Sudan-born Perth product is on a bargain basement contract at a team that just ditched its $210 million centre Deandre Ayton. So, depending on the moves, the mobile, sharpshooting big Aussie should remain in something of a significant role in Portland.

Dante Exum drives for the basket.
Dante Exum drives for the basket.

Dante Exum — Dallas Mavericks

STATUS: Signed a one-year, $5 million contract

Limited to just 20 games last season by a combination of wrist, Achilles, face, foot and hand injuries, it’s heartening to learn Exum had a number of suitors before he decided to remain in Dallas for a third campaign. And, with Luka Doncic gone and Kyrie Irving out for most of the season with a torn ACL, the Victorian should have ample opportunity to show off his abilities as a veteran presence alongside No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg.

Joe Ingles — Minnesota Timberwolves

STATUS: Signed a one-year, $4.6 million contract

Forget Slow-Mo Joe, this is Iron Man Ingles. The South Australian Boomers Olympic legend will turn 38 at the beginning of season No. 12 in the big league, after making 19 appearances for the Western Conference finalist Timberwolves last season. Those games took him past Andrew Bogut into second all-time in NBA games played by an Australian — behind best mate Patty Mills. Adelaide 36ers did make inquiries about his feelings toward playing out his career back home, but no one in their right mind says no to nearly five million bucks to provide a veteran locker room presence.

Luke Travers while playing for Melbourne United.
Luke Travers while playing for Melbourne United.

Luke Travers — Cleveland Cavaliers

STATUS: Signed one-year, $968,000 two-way contract

The Cavs’ drafted Travers three years ago, allowed him to develop at Melbourne United, then brought the athletic, smooth-moving former Perth Wildcats to the Land at the beginning of last season. Clearly, they like what they saw of the ball-handling forward, who appeared in 12 NBA games, while putting up a stat stuffing 15.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals for the Cavs’ G League affiliate. Huge two-way potential that might hinge on continued improvement in his outside shooting.

FREE AGENTS

Josh Giddey — Chicago Bulls

STATUS: Restricted free agent

The most intriguing Aussie contract story of the off-season is unfolding in Chicago, with Giddey eligible — and deserving of — a massive pay rise on his next deal. He and the Bulls have held talks, sources telling CODE Sports earlier this year Giddey’s figure could begin at $240 million over five years and go up from there. Giddey is a restricted free agent, which allows the Bulls to match any offer another team might put to him. Talking heads in the US appear to be attempting to crunch down Giddey’s value, citing a league-wide crunch leaving the Bulls with some leverage in that there are few other clubs with the necessary cap space to tender a godfather offer.

But the facts are Giddey is still just 22, averaged a near-triple-double across the back half of last season, has shown enormous growth and improvement each campaign and remains about five years away from his peak. The Bulls offloaded Zach LaVine, then Lonzo Ball and have long seen Giddey as a building block. Much like the pundits tried to pour scorn on the off-season deal that sent Giddey from Oklahoma City to Chicago in exchange for Alex Caruso, that turned out to be a win-win. Giddey is already the leader of the Australian national team and, given his determination, an extension will likely turn out a similar win-win for both player and club. Giddey’s cryptic hourglass emoji Instagram story did nothing to douse reports that the two sides weren’t close to a deal. The former Adelaide 36ers NBL Next Star’s agent Daniel Moldovan should and will drive a hard bargain to ensure the uniquely gifted Aussie gets what he deserves in free agency.

Ben Simmons finished last season in LA after having his contract paid out by Brooklyn.
Ben Simmons finished last season in LA after having his contract paid out by Brooklyn.

Ben Simmons

STATUS: Unrestricted free agent

The annual Ben Simmons news is floating around again. Once the Boomers’ great hope, Simmons career has been cruelled by injury — and attitude — and he is now on the hunt for a new deal. The three-time All-Star and a former NBA All-Defensive selection was paid out the remainder of the $60 million he was owed by the Brooklyn Nets earlier this year and finished the season with the LA Clippers, playing sparingly. Reports out of the US suggest he’s looking for more than the veteran minimum — about $5 million — in free agency, with Eastern Conference finalist New York Knicks one team to have reportedly “checked in” on the 28-year-old. A former No. 1 pick, Simmons hasn’t been able to make an impact in the NBA for years.

Patty Mills is just 79 games away from reaching the 1000-game milestone.
Patty Mills is just 79 games away from reaching the 1000-game milestone.

Patty Mills

STATUS: Unrestricted free agent

There’s been no shortage of ‘Patty Mills to the NBL’ talk in the off-season. Needing a big name to soften the blow of Bryce Cotton’s departure, the Perth Wildcats inquired — not that they’ll admit it — while Boomers great and former NBA man Chris Anstey gave rise to rumbles Mills could have his eye on Cairns. Neither are any chance, Mills, instead, signing on as University of Hawai’i men’s basketball general manager as he works on a new deal. A source told CODE Sports LA Clippers officials were in Melbourne recently and it’s understood they spoke positively of the prospect of retaining Mills in the City of Angels. If he were to find another home, it would be an eighth team for Australia’s longest-serving NBA player, who requires 79 games to reach the magical 1000 mark.

Alex Ducas

STATUS: Unrestricted free agent

Spent last season in Oklahoma City on a two-way contract, but it’s not clear what the Perth sharpshooters next move is, right now. The 24-year-old appeared in 21 games as a two-way player for the Thunder last season and will bask in the glory of a championship ring. Regardless of whether he’s back in OKC next season, he’ll forever have the honour of his own holiday after the city’s mayor bestowed July 8 as ‘Alex Ducas Day’.

Jack McVeigh

STATUS: Unrestricted free agent

Might be a case of last chance saloon for the ever-smiling 29-year-old — although only a fool would write off a man who has beaten the odds at just about every turn in his career. Waived by Houston after one season on a two-way contract, McVeigh will join Atlanta for Summer League, hoping to tear up the competition and win himself another NBA deal.

Former Illawarra Hawk LaMelo Ball could be on the move.
Former Illawarra Hawk LaMelo Ball could be on the move.

PLAYERS WITH NBL LINKS

LaMelo Ball — Charlotte Hornets

Status: Entering second of a five-year, $310.4 million contract

The highest-paid and most well-known exponent of the NBL Next Stars program has Charlotte’s figurehead since the Hornets made him the third pick in the 2020 draft after a season with the Illawarra Hawks.

Alex Sarr — Washington Wizards

Status: Entering second of a four-year, $77.6 million contract

French big man who was the second overall pick in last year’s draft after a season as an NBL Next Star with Perth Wildcats. Made the NBA All-Rookie First Team and has a bright future, despite the endemic failures in Washington.

Ousmane Dieng — Oklahoma City Thunder

Status: OKC exercised team option on last of a four-year, $32.1 million contract

Selected with pick 11 in the 2022 draft, the former New Zealand Breakers NBL Next Star is now an NBA champion.

Jae’Sean Tate — Houston Rockets

Status: Houston exercised team option on last of a three-year, $31.3 million contract

Undersized power forward who became an NBA All-Rookie first teamer and has carved out an underrated career in Houston after an eye-catching 2019-20 campaign with the Sydney Kings.

Ariel Hukporti had a successful three-year stint with Melbourne United. Picture: Getty
Ariel Hukporti had a successful three-year stint with Melbourne United. Picture: Getty

Ariel Hukporti — New York Knicks

Status: New York exercised team option on second of a two-year, $8.7 million contract.

Big A was so close to an NBA finals appearance with the Knicks after three years as an NBL Next Star at Melbourne United. Giant German-Togolese fan favourite who just had his second year locked in by the Knicks after he was drafted pick No. 58 in the 2024 draft. United is hunting a “Hukporti type” to fill its final import spot in NBL26.

AJ Johnson — Milwaukee Bucks

Status: Entering second of a four-year, $22.2 million contract

Drafted by Milwaukee after a season in Illawarra, the hyper-athletic Johnson landed at Washington in a trade that teamed him up with fellow NBL Next Star Alex Sarr on the Wiz.

Bobi Klintman — Detroit Pistons

Status: Entering second of four-year, $12.29 million contract

Long, lean, athletic former Cairns Taipans Next Star who was pick No. 37 in the 2024 draft. Made eight appearances for the much improved Pistons last season — 15 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in 23 minutes against Milwaukee underlining his all-court potential.

Trentyn Flowers — Los Angeles Clippers

Status: Signed one-year, $968,000 two-way contract

Another ultra-athlete who landed in Australia as a Next Star but didn’t quite have the impact on the court he’d hoped. Still young and shows oodles of potential, he’ll be back in LA on a two-way deal.

Izan Almansa — Philadelphia 76ers

Status: Exhibit 10 contract

Perth Wildcats’ Spanish NBL Next Star lands in Philadelphia with no certainty and everything to prove. Signed a non-guaranteed, minimum salary contract that will allow him to go through training camp and Summer League with the Sixers and could ultimately be converted to a two-way contract. Did face some controversy last month when it emerged he tested positive to cannabis use, a drug which is, of course, legal in the NBA.

Izan Almansa back in his Wildcats days. Picture: Getty
Izan Almansa back in his Wildcats days. Picture: Getty

Torrey Craig

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Less seasoned NBL fans might forget the South Carolina forward’s NBL stints in Cairns and Brisbane the best part of a decade ago but Craig is one of the Larry Kestelman-era’s early good news stories. Interested in a return to Boston after eight seasons, six clubs and over 458 games.

SUMMER LEAGUE WATCHLIST

ATLANTA HAWKS

Jack McVeigh, 29 — 2024 NBL Grand Final MVP and champion with Tasmania JackJumpers who, last year, secured a two-way deal in Houston off the back of his rise to the Boomers Paris Olympic team. Murwillumbah-born, Cabarita Beach-raised NSW forward who is a fearless shooter with the heart to match.

Jack White, 27 — Former Melbourne United star is a freak athlete who already wears an NBA championship ring from his time on a two-way in Denver. One of Traralgon’s finest, the Vic Country product snared another chip in Germany just last week and now gets his chance to impress in Atlanta. A proven winner and elite culture guy who will fit in on any team. NBA that man.

CHICAGO BULLS

William ‘Davo’ Hickey, 26 — Emerged as one of the NBL’s toughest guards last season, culminating in a Grand Final MVP-worthy championship run with the Illawarra Hawks. Don’t bet against the proud Indigenous star out of Cowra, NSW, catching the eye of an NBA team with his grit, determination and athleticism.

Lachlan Olbrich, 21 — Drafted with pick No. 55, the SA big man gets his first taste of the NBA in Chicago, reunited with Illawarra championship teammate Hickey. Olbrich is a unique talent who has seized every opportunity that has been thrown his way. Early prediction he produces at least one viral highlight reel moment and shows the Bulls something new and different they didn’t know he was capable of.

Tyrese Proctor was taken by Cleveland with the 49th pick of this year’s draft. Picture: Getty
Tyrese Proctor was taken by Cleveland with the 49th pick of this year’s draft. Picture: Getty

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Tyrese Proctor, 21 — Slim, skilled Sydney guard who stood out at Duke University and has all the hallmarks of a long-time NBA performer. Drafted with pick No. 49, many believe Proctor could be one of the steals of 2025. Should get plenty of run in Summer League, given the Cavs have locked him in on a full rookie contract as part of their main roster.

DENVER NUGGETS

Tyrell Harrison, 25 — Brisbane Bullets’ Kiwi behemoth who is still just 25 but has eight NBL seasons under his belt. A source said at least one NBA team had interest throughout last season and, if he can secure a two-way contract, it would be a massive blow to the Bullets. Love to see him learn from one of the all-time great big men in Nikola Jokic at the Nuggets.

Reyne Smith, 22 — Let it Reyne! Smith is one of the great Aussie stories out of Louisville. Arguably the best young shooter in Australia, the Tassie tyro has NBA potential and could be the Boomers’ new answer to Chris Goulding. Should get a two-way, at the very least, if NBA teams are serious about developing young shooting talent.

Golden State Warriors' Aussie draftee Alex Toohey. Picture: AP
Golden State Warriors' Aussie draftee Alex Toohey. Picture: AP

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Alex Toohey*, 21 — Oozing leadership, toughness and with no glaring weaknesses, the Canberra son of high-ranking defence force members looms as a steal at No. 52 in this year’s draft. After honing his craft for two years in Sydney, Toohey has the tools and attitude to have a long NBA career, beginning at Summer League.

Taran Armstrong, 23 — Josh Giddey clone who emerged out of Tasmania at Cal Baptist University, then achieved his NBA dream when the Warriors saw his efforts for Cairns in the NBL and brought him in on a two-way deal. Brilliant tall point guard with uncanny passing ability who has shown remarkable improvement in his three-point shooting.

Alex Higgins-Titsha, 24 — The Sydney product is looming as one of the great Cairns’ Taipans stories. A long, athletic development player who seized his opportunity with the injury-riddled Snakes and was rewarded with both a full NBL contract and now an NBA chance.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Trentyn Flowers, 20 — former Adelaide 36ers Next Star is an athletic freak who struggled to impact on the court but became a cult figure in the City of Churches. Giant wing out of Maryland has impressed for the Clippers’ G League affiliate.

Trentyn Flowers showed himself to be an athletic freak during his time in Adelaide. Picture: Getty
Trentyn Flowers showed himself to be an athletic freak during his time in Adelaide. Picture: Getty

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Sam Mennenga, 23 — Burly Kiwi big contracted with New Zealand Breakers who does not know what it means to take a backward step. The Lakers desperately need big man depth, if Mennenga can impress, he is physically more than capable of standing up in the NBA.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Will Magnay, 27 — Defensive beast whose Summer League stint looms as a precursor to a return to the NBA. The Paris Olympian had a stint with New Orleans back in 2020 but there is a real buzz and opportunity at the Grizzlies for a return to the big league on the club’s main roster, given a number of injuries to key big men.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Rocco Zikarsky*, 18 — All eyes are on Australia’s giant teen as he begins his journey in the NBA with Minnesota. Never really got going in two seasons with Brisbane Bullets but the physical tools, raw ability and want to be great is there for the incredible 221cm Queenslander.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Alex Ducas, 24 — Australia’s newest NBA champion will suit up for OKC at Summer League in the hope of securing another two-way contract and ensure a return to the defending champions in year two. Big-bodied sharpshooter who impressed at St Mary’s.

NEW YORK KNICKS

Yudai Baba, 29 — A Dean Vickerman favourite who helped Melbourne United win the 2021 NBL championship, the Japanese veteran is a lightning quick defensive dynamo who wouldn’t be out of place on the end of an NBA bench.

Biwali Bayles, 23 — Former Sydney King and Illawarra Hawk who has found a new lease on life in NBL1 where he has been dominating for Sydney Comets. The Indigenous young gun is clearly an NBL-level talent, but has had to navigate some personal struggle throughout his basketball journey. Gets the chance of a lifetime with New York at Summer League — right in front of Kings mentor Brian Goorjian, who will be part of the Knicks staff. Lightning quick, explosive, uncompromising guard.

Ariel Hukporti, 23 — Former Melbourne United NBL Next Star who was drafted with the 58th pick in the 2024 NBA draft and has worked his tail off to become a fully rostered Knick. Rim-running, shot-blocking athletic beast who should get a ton of run in Summer League

Biwali Bayles is going from the Sydney Comets to the NBA Summer League. Picture: Jason Dan
Biwali Bayles is going from the Sydney Comets to the NBA Summer League. Picture: Jason Dan

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Izan Almansa, 20 — Spanish big man who impressed in Perth. An improved shooter who crashes the glass and is athletic — all the hallmarks of an NBA player. Given Philadelphia is a basket-case, he’ll likely get every chance to stake his claim at Summer League.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Rayan Rupert, 21 — Solid French wing with Inspector Gadget-like telescopic arms and wiry athleticism that allowed him to impress in his time as a Next Star in New Zealand. Enters his third NBA season and should be among the key contributors in Summer League.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Omari Moore, 24 — New South East Melbourne Phoenix import signing has popped up on the San Antonio Spurs Summer League roster. Big combo guard out of California who has had a previous NBA Summer League stint with Milwaukee and spent time with Toronto’s NBA G League affiliate. An interesting watch, given The Phoenix are still in the market for two imports.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Alex Sarr, 20 — Last year’s second overall NBA draft pick got his start in the NBL as a standout with the Perth Wildcats. Tall, wide-bodied with long arms, Sarr is a serious athlete who will have all the opportunity in the world again at the horrible Washington Wizards. Could he develop into the franchise saviour?

AJ Johnson, 20 — Another ultra-athlete who has landed at the Wizards via the NBL (via Milwaukee). Strap in when he and Sarr get out in the open because the former Illawarra Hawks Next Star can absolutely fly. High-potential kid who could be a building block, along with Sarr, in turning around the basket-case Washington.

Akoldah Gak, 22 — Giant, underrated NBL talent who gets another chance at Summer League following a stint in Chicago a couple of years ago. Out-of-contract Cairns Taipan who would easily find a home in the NBL or could look to the money in Asia — if his NBA dreams are not fulfilled.

Originally published as Australians in the NBA, Summer League: Full guide to every Aussie featuring in USA in 2025

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/basketball/australians-in-the-nba-summer-league-full-guide-to-every-aussie-featuring-in-usa-in-2025/news-story/43acf9e8995357036b89493089a3f225