NBA Champions from Australia: Who Made It to the Top?

- August 6, 2025

POSTED BY: Eurobasket

Aron Baynes

Source: Pixabay

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NBA Finals, Australia has secured its 10th championship ring as Alex Ducas' Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over Johnny Furphy's Indiana Pacers in a decisive Game 7 this year.

Eight Australian men’s basketball players have achieved the ultimate honour in the sport — the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Among them, Boomers’ icon Luc Longley stands out, having secured this prestigious award three times consecutively alongside the legendary Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s.

In celebration of Australia’s NBA talent, let’s take a closer look at those Aussie basketball superstars who made it to the top!

Luc Longley: Three-Time Champ with the Chicago Bulls

In 1996, Luc Longley made history as the first Australian to not only compete in the NBA Finals but also to secure a championship, as his Chicago Bulls triumphed over the Seattle SuperSonics.

As the franchise’s starting centre, Longley played a crucial role in the team’s Threepeat championship journey, facing off against legendary big men Shawn Kemp and Karl Malone. Icons from the storied Chicago Bulls franchise, including the great Michael Jordan, have expressed their admiration for Longley’s pivotal role in the Bulls dynasty.

We know MJ was a lover of everything casino-related, and I wonder if these ring-collecting wins ever took the team celebrations to a classic brick-and-mortar establishment. One can only imagine, but we do know they’d be utilizing a casino bonus NZ from Bonusfinder with the iGaming landscape of today!

Andrew Gaze: NBA Championship Winner in 1999 with the Spurs

Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze clinched an NBA Championship with the 1999 San Antonio Spurs, who triumphed over the New York Knicks in a five-game series.

Throughout his 22-year career, the NBA Championship ring stands out as just one of his many remarkable achievements. His achievements both at home and abroad set him apart as one of the top basketball talents in Australia.

Aron Baynes: NBA Championship Winner in 2014 with the Spurs

Aron Baynes, the Australian big man, achieved the pinnacle of success as he celebrated an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs after they triumphed over the Miami Heat in five games during the 2014 NBA Finals.

Baynes made crucial contributions during the Spurs' playoff journey, achieving a career-high in the playoffs with 10 points and seven rebounds in the team's victory against the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference semifinals. Over a remarkable 16-year career, Baynes established himself as a reliable figure in the Australian Boomers roster, contributing to the team's success in securing a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Patty Mills: NBA Championship Winner in 2014 with the Spurs

Patty Mills joined forces with compatriot Aron Baynes on the San Antonio Spurs team that clinched the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2014.

During the 2013-14 NBA season, Mills showcased his skills by participating in a team-leading 81 regular-season games and 23 playoff contests, averaging 10.2 points while shooting an impressive 42.5% from three-point range.

In a remarkable display of skill, Patty Mills showcased his exceptional three-point shooting during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. His impressive 14-point contribution in the third quarter was pivotal in leading the Spurs to clinch the championship.

Andrew Bogut: NBA Championship Winner in 2015 with the Warriors

In a historic moment for Australian basketball, Andrew Bogut was the first player from Down Under to be chosen with the No.1 overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. His journey culminated in 2015 when he secured an NBA Championship with the Golden State Warriors, led by the remarkable Steph Curry, as they triumphed over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.

He was instrumental as the starting centre, participating in 67 regular-season games and 19 playoff games during the 2015 NBA season while also receiving accolades from his teammates and coaches alike for his crucial contributions and unselfish play on both sides of the court.

Matthew Dellavedova: NBA Championship Winner in 2016 with the Cavaliers

In 2016, Matthew Dellavedova clinched an NBA Championship as the Cleveland Cavaliers triumphed over the Golden State Warriors in a thrilling seven-game showdown.

This NBA season stands out as one of the most unforgettable, highlighted by the Cavaliers' historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. Dellavedova's tenacious defence against Steph Curry has etched itself into the annals of basketball lore.

The Cavaliers' victory in 2016 stands out in history for numerous reasons, not least the iconic “BLOCK BY JAMES.” However, it was the heart and determination shown by Dellavedova that truly resonated with many fans from Australia.

Jack White: NBA Championship Winner in 2023 with the Nuggets

Jack White stands as the most recent Australian to claim an NBA Championship, achieving this feat in 2023 when his Denver Nuggets overcame the Miami Heat in a decisive five-game series. White has now etched his name in history as the third individual to capture both NBA and NBL championships during his career. He signed a two-way deal with the Nuggets for the 2022-23 season, making 17 appearances during that time.

Ducas Makes it 10 NBA Championships for Australia

As Ducas just stepped into this elite circle by collecting a 2025 ring with the Thunder, Australia is undeniably making its presence felt on the NBA's biggest stage and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future.