AUSSIES IN THE NBA
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons has worked overtime on his shooting and defence in a bid to become an All-Star and take the Sixers to the Eastern Conference Finals. Sydney-raised power forward Jonah Bolden will most likely receive minutes off the bench but Sixers coach Brett Brown rates him a long-term NBA prospect with his size and shooting ability. UTAH JAZZ: Proud Adelaide boy Joe Ingles has become a leader and he is ready to help Utah go deep in the postseason. Ingles broke the franchise record for three point makes last season (204), so watch for him to continue his sharpshooting. The Jazz showed enormous faith in Dante Exum by re-signing him on a three-deal, now the Boomers point guard must demonstrate his worth. Exum has overcome his bad run of injuries and is ready to show the basketball world his full potential. BOSTON CELTICS: Aussie big man Aron Baynes is much-loved in Boston for his tough defence, team-first mentality and surprise shooting range. The Celtics will need Baynes to fire consistently again to fulfil their goal of making the NBA Finals. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Veteran Boomers guard Patty Mills has become San Antonio’s main man following Dejounte Murray’s knee injury and Tony Parker’s departure to Charlotte. This opens the door for Mills, who averaged a career-high 25 minutes per game last season, to take on a bigger role. Mills played all 82 games last season and has missed just three games in the past three seasons. MILWAUKEE BUCKS: It’s a big season for guard Matthew Dellavedova after injury cruelled his campaign last year. Dellavedova will also be determined to prove a point after the Bucks put him on the trade block in the off-season, but there was no interest. Power forward Thon Maker is ready to take the next step in his career after making a huge impact off the bench during Milwaukee’s playoff series against Boston last season. Maker provided high energy and a strong shot, now he must do it consistently. DALLAS MAVERICKS: Melbourne-born guard Ryan Broekhoff is a proven shooter, so watch for him to make an impact off the bench for the Mavs. Broekhoff has made 50 per cent of his threes (5-10) in the preseason and he’ll be hoping to transfer this success to the regular season. BROOKLYN NETS: Brooklyn’s decision to use both their two-way contracts means its unlikely former Adelaide 36ers small forward Mitch Creek remains on the roster. Creek is on an Exhibit 10 deal, meaning his G-League rights are owned by the Long Island Nets. If he impresses in the G-League, he could still force his way into the NBA. TORONTO RAPTORS: After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, Sudanese-born swingman Deng Adel has joined the Raptors. Adel, who was set to join Minnesota after signing a training camp deal, will most likely start the season in the G-League. ATLANTA HAWKS: Former Sydney Kings big man and reigning NBL Rookie of the Year Isaac Humphries signed a non-guaranteed deal before the Hawks requested waivers, meaning he’ll play in the G-League with the Erie BayHawks this season.