Basketball is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports in Australia, and the NBA is the ultimate destination for basketball players globally. In the NBA’s history, many Australian players have made a significant impact, and some of them have made a name for themselves as champions. While this may be a surprise to some, it shouldn’t be that gobsmacking considering how the Boomers have performed in recent international competitions.
The Aussies have reached the semifinals in each of three of the last four tournaments they have played in on the international stage. That run began at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, where they were defeated by Balkan heavyweights Serbia in the semifinals, before missing out on the bronze medal after losing to Spain by just one point. Five years later in Tokyo, they put that right, narrowly losing out to the United States in the semifinals before knocking off Slovenia and securing third place, and ending the medal curse once and for all.
Sandwiched in between those two endeavors, they also reached the semifinals of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. They beat perennial contenders France en route to topping their group in the second round but they would once again lose to Spain in the semifinals, this time in the cruelest of fashion in the second period of overtime. At the most recent World Cup, they disappointed en route to a second-round exit, but they will be aiming to put things right at the Paris Olympic Games later this year.
While the number of Aussies playing in the NBA continues to grow with the nation’s recent success, only a few have managed to win an NBA championship. In fact, there are just seven of them, and we’ll break them down for you below:
Jack White (2023)
In 2023, Jack White became the seventh Australian player to win the NBA championship when he played a bit-part role in helping Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets defeat the underdog Miami Heat en route to a first-ever championship in franchise history.
The Floridians stole everyone’s hearts as they reeled off victory after victory en route to becoming the first eighth-seed in history to reach the finals. But ultimately, it wasn’t enough, and it was the Joker and Co. who secured the trophy courtesy of a 4-1 victory. The latest NBA betting odds make the reigning champions a +425 contender to retain the trophy this season.
Matthew Dellavedova (2016)
In 2016, Matthew Dellavedova helped LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers gain redemption for the previous year’s heartbreaking Finals defeat. The Ohio outfit once again met the Warriors in the Finals but this time, they upped their game and staged a comeback of their own, rallying from firstly 2-0 and then 3-1 down to defeat the Baby Faced Assassin and Co.
Delly is a talented point guard who received great acclaim for his role in the Cavs’ finals series victory, putting up impressive performances on both ends of the floor.
Andrew Bogut (2015)
Andrew Bogut won his first NBA championship in 2015 with the Golden State Warriors. Though he was not a significant contributor on the offensive end, his defensive presence was instrumental in the Golden State Warriors championship run.
His performances allowed the likes of Steph Curry and Kevin Durant to shine brightly on the grandest stage, as the Cali outfit rallied from a 2-1 deficit to win the series in six.
Patty Mills and Aron Baynes (2014)
In 2014, two Australian players continued the country’s storied affinity with the Spurs as Patty Mills and Aron Baynes played a vital role in their lifting of the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Before heading to Texas, both players played for the Australian national basketball team and had successful careers in the NBL.
Mills, in particular, played a vital role in the team’s success, providing crucial points off the bench in several key games. On the other hand, Baynes was an excellent rebounder and defender, making him an essential piece of the championship-winning puzzle.
Andrew Gaze (1999)
Andrew Gaze became the second Australian to be crowned as an NBA champion, winning with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, one year removed from the next man’s third and final success. The Melbourne-born star was drafted to the Washington Bullets in 1989 but found playing time hard to come by.
He then moved on to an outstanding career in the NBL, winning the championship twice with the Melbourne Tigers, as well as becoming a seven-time MVP, the most of any player in the history of the league.
After starring in the Land Down Under, the now-58-year-old got his chance with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and although he did not have a significant role in the team, his experience and knowledge of the game were valuable to the Lone Star State side during their championship run.
Luc Longley (1996, 1997, & 1998)
The first Australian to win the NBA was Luc Longley. He was a member of the iconic Chicago Bulls team that completed their second of two historic three-peats, with titles coming in 1996, 1997, and ‘The Last Dance’ campaign of 1998.
Also born in Melbourne, Longley was an integral part of the Bulls team that won 72 games in the 1995-96 regular season, starring alongside greats of the game such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. While he didn’t have the same X Factor as that of his illustrious teammates, he was still an important cog in the wheel of the greatest dynasty basketball has ever seen.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
