The Australian Boomers are gearing up for an electrifying basketball season, and this year, their squad is packed with star power. Featuring five seasoned NBA veterans, the Boomers are set to bring a perfect blend of experience, skill, and leadership to the court.Â
These players, who have showcased their talents on the biggest stages in the world, are ready to don the green and gold and lead Australia to new heights. From record-breaking performances to championship victories, each veteran brings unique skills and knowledge that promise to make this one of the most exciting squads in Boomers’ history.
Patty Mills (Miami Heat)
Patty Mills, who joined the Miami Heat in 2024, stands out among Australians in the NBA. He started playing basketball with The Shadows, an Indigenous junior club formed by his parents. He represented Australia at the junior level and had a stellar college career at Saint Mary’s.
Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 55th pick in the 2009 draft, Mills spent two seasons with the team. During the 2011 NBA lockout, he played for the Melbourne Tigers and in China. Returning to the US, Mills joined the San Antonio Spurs, winning an NBA championship in 2014.
Mills, the third Indigenous Australian to play for the Boomers, has proudly represented Australia in four Olympics. In 2021, he led the team to its first-ever men’s Olympic medal, scoring 42 points in the bronze medal game against Slovenia.
Now with the Miami Heat, Mills remains one of the league’s top shooters and a key locker-room leader.
Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Josh Giddey made a significant impact in the 2020-21 season with standout performances for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, earning him the Rookie of the Year award. Drafted sixth overall in the 2021 NBA draft, he made his debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Utah Jazz, becoming the youngest Australian to play in the NBA.
At 19, Giddey set a record as the youngest player in the history of the NBA to achieve a triple-double. He averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. By January 2023, he joined an elite group of players, including Luka Doncic, who recorded at least 1,000 points, 700 rebounds, and 500 assists in their first 100 games.
In the 2023-24 season, Giddey has been crucial to Oklahoma’s success, helping the Thunder secure the top seed in the playoffs.
Joe Ingles (Orlando Magic)
Joe Ingles, hailing from South Australia, graduated from the Australian Institute of Sport in 2006. He began his career in the NBL, winning the 2009 championship with the South Dragons. Afterwards, he played in Europe before joining the Utah Jazz in 2014, where he became their all-time leader in three-pointers made during his eight seasons.
Ingles was a runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year before an ACL injury in January 2022 sidelined him. He made a comeback with the Milwaukee Bucks and, in July 2023, signed a two-year contract with the Orlando Magic. Ingles was a crucial player for the Boomers, instrumental in their bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.
His wife, Renae Ingles, is also a World Cup gold medalist with the Australian netball team.
Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks)
Josh Green, born in Sydney shortly after the 2000 Olympics, is the son of two semi-professional basketball players. He led NSW Metro to an under-12 state championship and later moved to the US as a teenager. He attended IMG Academy and then the University of Arizona before being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2020.
Green has played 166 NBA games over three seasons, with averages of 9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the 2022-23 season. He made his Boomers debut in Tokyo, contributing to Australia’s bronze medal win. Now playing with fellow Boomer Dante Exum for the Mavericks, Green has established himself as a versatile guard in the NBA.
Before his move to the US, Green was part of the GWS Giants AFL academy.
Jock Landale (Houston Rockets)
Jock Landale, a Saint Mary’s graduate, started his pro career in Europe, playing in Serbia and Lithuania before returning to Australia. He had an outstanding season with Melbourne United in the NBL, winning the 2021 championship and the Finals MVP.
Landale’s performance drew attention from NBA teams, and he signed with the San Antonio Spurs, debuting alongside fellow Aussie Patty Mills. After 54 games with the Spurs, he was traded to Atlanta and then to the Phoenix Suns, where he played a crucial role in their playoff run. In July 2023, he signed a four-year deal with the Houston Rockets.
Landale debuted in the NBL at age 25 and, in his only season, won the 2021 championship. He was also named Finals MVP and Melbourne United MVP.
Final Takeaway
Including these NBA veterans is expected to elevate the Boomers’ performance significantly. Their combined experience in the world’s most competitive basketball league means they bring skill and a deep understanding of the game, which will be crucial in international play. Their leadership and professionalism will undoubtedly inspire the squad’s younger members.
