The 2014-15 NBA season will be a hard act to follow for the league’s seven-strong Australian contingent. Compatriots faced off in the finals series: Andrew Bogut earned a championship ring with the Golden State Warriors while Matthew Dellavedova rose to prominence with his game-winning heroics. History was made during the regular season when four Australians shared the court, while number five draft pick Dante Exum enjoyed a strong, if not stellar, NBA debut.
In many ways it was the year of the Australian, and observers certainly took notice. The Wall Street Journal explained “Why Every NBA Team Needs an Australian”, while Newsweek asked “Is Australia Basketball’s Next Powerhouse?”.
In contrast, the forthcoming season, which begins on Wednesday (AEDT), might appear anticlimactic. Exum has a long-term injury, Dellavedova is unlikely to regain such an important role at Cleveland and the Warriors face a tough challenge defending their title. The next big thing in Australian basketball – Ben Simmons – is at least a year away from the league’s bright lights, and neither of the uncontracted Australians to ply their trade at Summer League – Brock Motum and Ryan Broekhoff – secured an NBA deal.
Yet dig deeper and intriguing storylines abound. How will Dellavedova be utilised by coach David Blatt as he navigates Cleveland towards another finals series? After being benched for the entirety of the decisive finals game six, is Bogut capable of adapting his game? And can Aron Baynes justify his multi-million dollar switch to the Detroit Pistons?
Matthew Dellavedova (Cleveland Cavaliers)
To Cleveland fans, Dellavedova was the fairytale story of the playoffs. He averaged 31.7 minutes across the finals series, and starred during several clutch moments. Not bad for a “non-athlete”.
Dellavedova embodies physical commitment, and was so exhausted following game three of the finals that he was taken to hospital. As the Australian Institute of Sport graduate told ESPN, “I was just spent. As an athlete, that’s all you can really do. There’s nothing more I could’ve physically done.” Such dedication will be required once more as Cleveland attempt another run to the championship decider.
While the signing of Mo Williams will add competition off the bench, Dellavedova’s work ethic is appreciated by coach Blatt and star team-mate LeBron James. He might not enjoy the same minutes as he saw during the finals, but expect this country Victorian to remain an important element in the Cleveland rotation, particularly if Kyrie Irving’s return from injury is further delayed.
Dellavedova will also be conscious of his contractual position: after some jostling with management, the Australian settled for a one-year extension such that his entry into restricted free agency at season’s end coincides with a considerable salary cap rise. If Dellavedova performs again in 2015-16, the guard could be in for a serious payday – whether at the Cavaliers or elsewhere.
Andrew Bogut (Golden State Warriors)
He lost 10 kilograms in the off-season and is sounding suspiciously like a fad diet salesman – can the new look Bogut help Golden State raise another championship banner? Box score statistics belie Bogut’s real importance, and the former number one draft pick is an integral part of the Warriors’ starting five. He was a key component in the Oakland team’s defensive set-up last season, and creates offensive space for the likes of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
Expect another strong year from Bogut, particularly if his slimmer figure improves on-court versatility. The 30-year-old was benched for the fifth and sixth games of the finals as Golden State opted for a smaller line-up, and will be hoping he avoids a similar fate if the Warriors again progress through the playoffs.
Boomers fans meanwhile will be praying that Bogut remains injury-free throughout the NBA season. The talismanic Australian basketballer returned to national team duties for the first time in seven years in August, and could be instrumental at the 2016 Olympics.
Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz)
Ingles was busy making up for lost time last season, and expect that to continue as he begins his second year in Salt Lake City. After starting his career domestically, Ingles spent time in Spain and Israel before making his NBA debut at the age of 27. Ingles’s experience on and off the court proved invaluable for a young Jazz team, and he was rewarded with a two-year contract in July.
A powerful shooting guard with excellent three point accuracy, Ingles will be aiming to improve on his five points per game average and continue to contribute defensively. While Exum’s absence will hurt Utah, another strong if unspectacular season appears in store for the team’s other Australian.
Patty Mills (San Antonio Spurs)
It might sound overly dramatic to suggest that the forthcoming season is make-or-break for Mills. He has, after all, already won an NBA championship ring, is an important role player for the San Antonio Spurs and consistently stars for the Boomers.
Yet after an injury-afflicted past season, and with San Antonio in a period of transition, the next eight months could come to define Mills’s career. Will the 27-year-old assert himself on-court, crafting a pivotal role as sixth-man or even perhaps in the starting five? Or will he be on the trading block come season’s end, unable to transition from occasional spark to consistent performer?
It takes a brave person to bet against Mills. The Canberran has determination in spades, and derives immense pride from his role as an ambassador for three different identities: Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Surrounded by a supportive coach, star new recruit LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio old guard, Mills will have every opportunity to shine as the Spurs eye another championship.
Aron Baynes (Detroit Pistons)
With a big money switch to Detroit in the offseason, Baynes has moved from support cast to centre stage. The USD$20 million question: can the 2.08 metre (6ft 10in) Queenslander, aptly nicknamed “Big Banger”, deliver in the Motor City?
While Baynes will never be a world beater, he was arguably under-utilised on a talented San Antonio roster. He now has an opportunity to perform in a system suited to his physical talents under coach Stan Van Gundy, and can help fill the gap left by Greg Monroe’s departure.
After signing the Australian, Van Gundy explained: “What we saw was a real physical guy at both ends of the floor – a good, solid rebounder and an offensively skilled guy who can shoot the ball, who can post, who’s comfortable putting the ball on the floor and going to dribble handoffs and playing that way.” With this strong combination of attributes, Baynes could become an important member of the Detroit line-up as they strive to improve on last season’s 12th-placed finish.
Cameron Bairstow (Chicago Bulls)
The only way is up for Bairstow after a disappointing rookie year with the Chicago Bulls. Picked at 49 in the 2014 draft, Bairstow managed just 64 minutes across 18 games as he struggled to find a place in the crowded Chicago front court.
A sophomore year may be brighter, though, for the 24-year-old. Notoriously rookie-averse coach Tom Thibodeau has departed, replaced by former Iowa State boss Fred Hoiberg. Bairstow’s strong shooting skills will be valued by Chicago’s new coach, and he may be given more opportunities to earn playing time alongside Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol.
Bairstow performed strongly at Summer League, showing his maturity around younger players and making several nice post moves. Yet the annual Las Vegas showcase is a far cry from the NBA’s sophistication and physicality. He may be following in the footsteps of a true Australian great, first at the University of New Mexico and now Chicago, but Bairstow has a long road ahead if he is to equal the achievements of Luc Longley.
Dante Exum (Utah Jazz)
While Exum experienced a mixed rookie campaign, signs were positive as the 20-year-old began preparing for his second year in the NBA. Then, he tore his ACL playing for the national team. Even following successful surgery in September, it is unlikely Exum will suit up this season.
Although the guard’s injury has caused many headaches for the Jazz front office, there may be a silver lining. Exum joined Utah directly from high school and many queried whether he was too raw for the major league – his rehabilitation could allow for personal and physical developments that ultimately improve his all-round game. Exum can also take heart from Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin, who missed his entire first year through injury only to be selected as an All-Star in the next.
The 2014 No5 draft pick has undoubtedly suffered a serious setback. For a player of immense physical ability, it could be Exum’s mental strength that determines whether he successfully responds to this adversity.
