Australia's influence on the NBA has grown steadily since Luc Longley became the first Aussie to play in the league in 1991, paving the way for a wave of talent that includes championship winners, All-Stars and rising stars. As of March 22, 2026, with the 2025-26 season underway, the list of top Australian-born NBA players balances historical pioneers, proven contributors and emerging standouts.

Andrew Bogut
Andrew Bogut

Rankings consider career achievements, championships, statistical impact, peak performance and longevity. Note that Kyrie Irving, born in Melbourne but raised in the U.S. and never representing Australia internationally, is often excluded from "Aussie" lists despite his Australian birth; this ranking focuses on players closely tied to Australian basketball identity.

Here are the 10 best Australian NBA players of all time, updated with the latest context from the ongoing season.

  1. Andrew Bogut The undisputed No. 1 overall pick in 2005, Bogut remains Australia's greatest NBA export. The Melbourne native played 632 games across Milwaukee, Golden State, Dallas, Cleveland and the Lakers, averaging 9.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks. His crowning achievement came in 2015, starting for the Warriors' championship team and delivering key defensive plays in the Finals against Cleveland. Bogut earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2010 and retired in 2019 after injury setbacks. His pioneering role as the first Aussie No. 1 pick and championship contributor cements his top spot.
  2. Luc Longley Australia's trailblazer, Longley was drafted seventh overall in 1991 by Minnesota before joining the Chicago Bulls. He started at center for the dynasty that won three straight titles from 1996-98 alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Longley appeared in 567 games, averaging 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds. His calm presence anchored the Bulls' frontcourt during their second three-peat, making him the first Aussie champion and a foundational figure for future generations.
  3. Patty Mills The longest-tenured and most beloved Aussie in recent memory, Mills won a title with the Spurs in 2014 and played 1,000+ games across Portland, San Antonio, Brooklyn, Atlanta and Miami. Known for clutch shooting and leadership, Mills averaged 10.0 points career-wide with standout playoff performances, including 14.0 points in the 2014 Finals. Though unsigned and reportedly transitioning to coaching roles like at the University of Hawaii as of 2026, his longevity, international success with Australia and cultural impact keep him elite.
  4. Ben Simmons Drafted first overall in 2016 by Philadelphia, Simmons posted a peak as a versatile forward-guard with elite passing and defense. He earned Rookie of the Year in 2018, made three All-Star teams and All-NBA honors, averaging 16.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists in his prime. Injuries and off-court issues limited later years with Brooklyn and now, but his 2019-20 season (16.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 8.0 APG) ranks among the best individual campaigns by any Aussie.
  5. Joe Ingles The ultimate role player, Ingles played 11 seasons primarily with Utah, excelling as a sharpshooting forward with high basketball IQ. He appeared in over 700 games, averaging 7.9 points and shooting 38.9% from three. Ingles contributed to Utah's consistent playoff runs and mentored younger players before moving to Orlando and beyond. His reliability and championship pedigree (though not as a starter) earn him a high spot.
  6. Matthew Dellavedova "Delly" became a cult hero for his gritty defense, especially guarding LeBron James and Stephen Curry in Finals runs. He won a title with Cleveland in 2016 and played key bench minutes for the Cavaliers and Bucks. In 378 games, Dellavedova averaged 6.0 points and 3.8 assists, but his hustle and iconic moments — like diving for loose balls — define his legacy.
  7. Josh Giddey The young star is climbing fast. Drafted sixth in 2021, Giddey signed a four-year, $100 million extension with Chicago in 2025 after a breakout stretch. In 2025-26, he's averaging around 18 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists in recent reports, showcasing elite playmaking. With career averages near 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, Giddey represents Australia's future and could rise higher with continued growth.
  8. Aron Baynes A rugged big man, Baynes won a title with the Spurs in 2014 and played solid minutes for Boston, Phoenix and others. In 499 games, he averaged 6.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, known for tough defense and three-point shooting as a stretch five.
  9. Dante Exum The 2014 fifth-overall pick has shown flashes of potential despite injuries. Exum, now with Dallas, averaged solid bench numbers in recent seasons and remains a versatile guard-forward in 2025-26 rotations.
  10. Dyson Daniels The rising defender earned Most Improved Player buzz and a $100 million extension with Atlanta. Daniels leads in steals and impacts both ends, averaging double figures while anchoring defense. His trajectory suggests he'll climb this list quickly.

Australia's NBA pipeline remains strong, with 14+ Aussies active in 2025-26, including veterans like Matisse Thybulle and Jock Landale alongside prospects. From Longley's championships to Giddey's playmaking, the legacy continues to evolve.