NBA stars Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels in doubt for Boomers’ Trans-Tasman series

Australian fans who were keen to see the Boomers’ big names in action in May might have to wait a little longer, with Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels unlikely to suit up for the trans-Tasman series.

Izzy Borlase and Isaac Humphries could be among the Aussie stars to step out for the Opals and Boomers in Adelaide.

Australian NBA stars Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels are unlikely to be released to suit up for the Boomers against New Zealand in May.

The Trans-Tasman Throwdown series against the Tall Blacks in Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and Hamilton from May 7 to 11 is an exhibition and not a FIBA sanctioned event.

It means NBA clubs are more reluctant to release their stars for games that aren’t benchmark tournaments like the Olympics or a World Cup.

NBA franchises also have to foot the insurance bill for players to play for their countries because Federations like Basketball Australia can’t afford the excessive amount to cover the players.

Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey are unlikely to play in Adelaide series. Picture: Michael Klein

The fear of injury also plays on the minds of NBA clubs, prompting them to be cautious about stars playing during the off-season.

At this point, it’s unlikely Giddey (Chicago) and Daniels (Atlanta) will reach the Eastern Conference semi-finals in early May.

The Bulls and Hawks sit in 10th and 9th place respectively, just a week out from the All-Star break.

It’s more likely the Boomers will name a team predominantly filled with NBL and local based players for the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series against New Zealand.

Giddey and Daniels love playing for the Boomers, but also understand their NBA commitments and the expectations of their respective clubs.

‘Adelaide deserves it’: 36ers star keen for Boomers series at home

Basketball Australia hopes the upcoming Trans-Tasman basketball series between Australia and New Zealand will be the first in an ongoing tradition, with the Boomers and Opals to take on the Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns in Adelaide, the Sunshine Coast and Hamilton.

As revealed by Code Sports on Monday the men’s and women’s national teams make a long-awaited return to Adelaide Entertainment Centre on May 7, with the series shifting north to Queensland’s UniSC Arena in Sippy Downs on May 9, before closing in New Zealand on May 11.

Adelaide 36ers captain Dejan Vasiljevic said the event was rich reward for the basketball-obsessed city.

“It’s exciting, the city of Adelaide deserves it, as does the Sunshine Coast and Hamilton as well,” Vasiljevic said.

Dejan Vasiljevic will put his hand up for the national team. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Isobel Borlase is an SA-born Olympic bronze medallist with the Australian Opals. Picture: Adam Head

“The 36ers have been really successful this year and we always get sold out crowds, so it’s a testament to basketball fans in the city.

Vasiljevic said, despite Sixers’ looming postseason campaign, he’s made himself available for this month’s Boomers’ games in Traralgon, Victoria, and is excited for the NZ series in May.

“I’ll always put my hand up when the green and gold comes calling,” Vasiljevic said.

“It’s going to be a big year of playing for Australia but obviously I’ve got to get the job done for the 36ers.

“I’m excited for what lies in store for the Boomers and the Opals.”

The Boomers haven’t faced the Tall Blacks since 2021, while the Tall Ferns will be out for revenge after the Opals topped them for bronze at the 2023 Asia Cup in Sydney.

BA boss Matt Scriven hoped the meeting with the Kiwis would become more regular.

“The arrival of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series is a testament to the rise of the game in both Australia and New Zealand. There’s a strong history of basketball in both regions and like Australia, Aotearoa is currently driving and enjoying a boom of their own,” Scriven said.

“We want the inaugural series to set the foundation for a tradition that fans, players and teams will embrace, and we look forward to introducing a new era of rivalry between Australia and New Zealand basketball.”