How the destiny of four Aussies changed in 10 picks

• Complete list of every Australian in the NBA
• 2025 NBA Draft Tracker: Where every player was selected
• Player tracker: Trades, free agents and transactions

It was an Aussie takeover in the final moments of the 2025 NBA draft today as FOUR Australians were selected to join the NBA.

Rocco Zikarsky, Tyrese Proctor, Alex Toohey and Lachlan Olbrich all heard their names called in the final 15 picks — 45 to 55 — of the draft’s second round and are now set to begin their career's on basketball’s biggest stage.

Remarkably, the four Aussies selected in this year tied the record for the most Australians taken in a single NBA Draft, matching the mark set back in 1997.

This year’s group signals the continued growth and global impact of Australian basketball, with the country now firmly cemented as a consistent producer of NBA ready talent.

Rocco Zikarsky

The first Australian off the board was 7'3" big man Rocco Zikarsky, selected 45th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After a standout two seasons with the Brisbane Bullets, the towering centre - now the third tallest player in the entire NBA — joins a young Minnesota squad coming off back to back Western Conference Finals appearances. Several teams were reportedly enticed by Zikarsky’s eye-popping measurements and rare mobility for his size, and it’s easy to see why scouts view the Sunshine Coast centre as a high upside prospect.

With his ability to alter shots, run the floor, and serve as a frightening lob threat in transition or pick and roll action, Zikarsky could become a real anchor for the Wolves in the future. The Timberwolves also present an exciting learning opportunity for Zikarsky, as he will begin his career behind four time Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert, who remains one of the league’s most respected interior defenders. Training alongside Gobert offers the 18 year old Australian a front row seat to the art of elite shot blocking, defensive communication, and veteran professionalism.

Gobert, too, was once a lanky international teen who proved he should have gone much higher in the draft, and the Wolves are hopeful that Zikarsky will follow a similar path. While his touches in the first few seasons will likely be limited, and he most likely will spend time developing in the G League, there’s a real opportunity for Rocco to grow into a long term contributor at the NBA level.

Tyrese Proctor

The next to be selected was Tyrese Proctor, who became the fifth player selected out of Duke in this draft. Proctor was selected 49th by the Cleveland Cavaliers and many are projecting him to be one of the steals of the draft. The Sydney-born guard drew praise for his smooth shooting stroke as he converted over 40% of his three point attempts last season for the Blue Devils, and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Standing at 6’5” with quick feet and active hands, Proctor was a defensive presence on the perimeter and showcased improved playmaking instincts throughout the year.

Sharing the court with top 10 picks Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, Proctor embraced a complementary role and showed his ability to thrive alongside high usage stars, a trait that makes him a perfect fit for a contending roster. That experience, combined with his maturity and basketball IQ, is exactly what the Cavaliers were looking for.

This is essential for the Cleveland Cavaliers who just had the second most wins in the NBA’s regular season. After key injuries to Boston Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton in the playoffs, the Eastern conference feels wide open next season and the Cavs are the current favourites to make it to next year's finals. Because the team is close to the NBA’s salary cap aprons, they are relying on low cost effective players to fill out their rotation. And Proctor as a second round pick does just that.

As the Aussie was selected, ESPN reporter Malika Andrews said: "They really wanted to get Tyrese Proctor. I am told that he will have a spot on this roster next year".

For the Cavaliers, that means immediate depth at the guard position. For Proctor, it means a golden opportunity to contribute on a championship caliber team from day one.

Alex Toohey

Just three picks later, the third Aussie came off the board as Alex Toohey was taken by the Golden State Warriors with the 52nd pick. Toohey, a product of the NBL’s Next Stars program, spent his last two seasons with the Sydney Kings, a team that holds deep ties to Golden State. Former Warriors champion Andrew Bogut not only played for the Kings following his NBA career but also owns a minority stake in the club. The connection between the franchises has remained strong, with the Warriors even sending messages of support to the Kings ahead of their 2023 NBL Championship win.

The Warriors are the most successful NBA franchise of the past decade with titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022 and are now looking to blend youth with their championship core to give Stephen Curry one more shot at glory. Toohey fits that vision perfectly. A high IQ combo forward, he’s known for his energy, team first attitude and feel for the game, which are all traits that fit seamlessly into Golden State’s motion heavy system.

Scouts consistently highlight Toohey's quick decision making, off ball movement, and ability to read the game, especially on the defensive end. He rarely forces plays, positions himself well and seems to always make the extra pass or rotation. While he doesn’t need to dominate the ball or shoot at a high volume, his understanding of spacing, timing, and defensive coverage makes him a natural fit in Steve Kerr’s offense.

Toohey may not be a headline maker, but in Golden State, he doesn’t need to be, he just needs to play his role. And that’s something the young Aussie has already proven he can do at a high level.

Lachlan Olbrich

Finally, Lachlan Olbrich was given an NBA opportunity by the Chicago Bulls with the 55th selection. Olbrich is a recent NBL champion with the Illawarra Hawks who impressed late in the NBA draft process as a skilled big man. The 6'10" Adelaide born forward boasts a strong frame and is considered one of the best rebounders in the class. He also brings an unorthodox offensive arsenal with crafty footwork and post spins that set him apart from traditional bigs.

Olbrich’s draft stock skyrocketed after dominating scrimmages at the NBA Draft Combine, where scouts noted his touch and toughness. He now joins a Bulls team full of young talent, including fellow Aussie Josh Giddey. Chicago has recently committed to building around high upside players as they selected raw Frenchman Noa Essengue in the first round this year and Lithuanian wing Matas Buzelis in 2024.

Olbrich is the latest addition to that vision. ESPN Draft expert Jonathan Givony even compared his playing style to NBA All-Stars Domantas Sabonis and Alperen Sengun, two big men known for their unique combination of skill, vision, and interior scoring. While Olbrich will likely start his career in the G League, there’s a clear pathway for him to become a key contributor on this young, rising Bulls roster.

Together, Zikarsky, Proctor, Toohey, and Olbrich form a quartet of determined young Aussie talent ready to prove they belong on basketball’s biggest stage. With each passing year, Australia continues to produce multiple elite level prospects who make waves in the NBA, and 2025 is sure to be no exception.

We won’t have to wait long to see them in action either, as all four are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League, tipping off in just under two weeks.