Australian basketball players are taught to be tough, physical, and hardworking from a young age as they learn to dribble. However, there is a need to change this mindset and emphasize the process of scoring. Historically, Australians have struggled to become elite shooters on the world stage and in the NBA, with only a few outliers like Andrew Gaze and Patty Mills. The current crop of Australian NBA players, including Ben Simmons, Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, and Dante Exum, share a similar profile—a focus on defense and passing but inefficient scoring.
Matisse Thybulle also fits this typical archetype, albeit having grown up in the US. Even Joe Ingles, a veteran NBA player, only improved his shooting accuracy after exposure to NBA coaching. As a result, the Boomers suffer from a lack of offensive firepower.
Looking ahead, players like Giddey, Daniels, and Green have the potential to become the future of Australian basketball. Green, in particular, has a good chance of improving his three-point shooting, further supported by his role in the Dallas Mavericks. Giddey, on the other hand, has struggled with his three-point shooting, and there are distractions off the court that may be impacting his game. Daniels’ role in the New Orleans Pelicans is growing, but his shooting abilities are still in development.
Ultimately, Australia needs new talent to step up in shooting roles, as veterans like Mills and Ingles are nearing the end of their careers. The lack of a reliable long-range shooter might hinder the Boomers’ performance in future competitions.