30
Sep
Aussies in the NBA
Johnny Furphy is ready to level up in 2025-26
Australian Johnny Furphy has identified his areas for improvement ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. Photo: Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Johnny Furphy targets shooting consistency and defense as he enters his sophomore Indiana season
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Australian wing Johnny Furphy heads into his sophomore NBA season with the Indiana Pacers with a clear goal.
"Consistency with shooting," he declared during the Indiana Pacers 2025 Media Day in Indianapolis today.
"I’ve got to be able to make open shots all the time. That’s the biggest thing. And then defense — I think defense is going to help me get opportunities.”
Furphy, 20, played limited minutes for the Pacers last season but was part of the roster and played in the 2025 NBA Finals against eventual champions Oklahoma City Thunder. He announced his arrival during the 2025 Summer League in Las Vegas with arguably the greatest NBA dunk by an Australian in history.
“I’m feeling more comfortable in my body, being able to absorb contact and use my body a little bit better," Furphy said.
"I’m excited for this year. It’s nice knowing what to expect going into my second year, so I feel more comfortable.”
Furphy played in 50 games during his rookie year, averaging 2.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 7.6 minutes per game.
He's one of an expected 18 Australian men's basketballers — when Ben Simmons and Patty Mills sign somewhere via free agency — to play in the NBA in 2025-26 as well as being one of nine international stars competing in the 2025 NBA Finals.
“It’s big," he said.
"I think it’s pretty cool to be a part of it. It’s the most international players we’ve ever had in the league right now, so it’s cool to be part of it.
"I think it’s just going to keep growing.”
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