The 2025–26 NBA season opens with a record number of Australians across rosters.

It's a reflection of how far the country's basketball pipeline has come, producing players who contribute in every role imaginable.

Here's how the 13 Aussies in the NBA stack up heading into the new season, based on form, opportunity, and long-term upside.

10Tyrese Proctor

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland may have found a hidden gem in Tyrese Proctor.

The Sydney native has wasted little time proving he belongs, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his poise and playmaking in his first NBA preseason. After a three-year stint at Duke, where his role shifted from lead guard to off-ball shooter, Proctor now looks freer and more confident than ever.

The Cavaliers handed him a four-year deal, a rare security for a late second-round pick. Early signs suggest it was a smart investment.

At 6'5, he's shown the ability to handle the ball, create shots off the dribble, and space the floor with composure beyond his years. While breaking into a deep guard rotation behind Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Lonzo Ball won't be easy, Proctor's maturity and adaptability make him an intriguing long-term fit.

He's not expected to play heavy minutes right away, but his blend of size, shooting, and steady decision-making has Cleveland quietly optimistic they may have drafted one of the steals of his class.