INGLES, BAYNES HEAD STRONG AUSSIE CONTINGENT
MATT LOGUE PROVIDES A SNAPSHOT OF AUSSIES IN THE NBA
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS:
As well as Ben Simmons, Sydney-raised power forward Jonah Bolden will most likely receive minutes off the bench but Sixers coach Brett Brown rates him as a long-term NBA prospect.
UTAH JAZZ:
Proud Adelaide boy Joe Ingles has become a team leader and he is ready to help Utah go deep in the post-season. The Jazz showed enormous faith in Dante Exum by re-signing him on a three-deal. Exum has overcome his bad run of injuries and is ready to show the basketball world his full potential.
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.
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 offseason, but there was no interest. Power forward Thon Maker is ready to take the next step in his career.
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.
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.
BROOKLYN NETS:
Brooklyn’s decision to use both their two-way contracts means its unlikely former Adelaide 36ers small forward Mitch Creek will remain on the roster. Creek is on an Exhibit 10 deal. If he impresses in the GLeague,
he could still force his way into the NBA. TORONTO RAPTORS:
After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, Sudaneseborn 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 GLeague with the Erie BayHawks this season.