30
Sep
Aussies in the NBA
Travers determined to earn bigger role in Cleveland
Australian Luke Travers #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers answers questions from the media during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Rocket Arena on September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Nick Cammett/Getty Images
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Luke Travers says versatility and defense will be key to earning more Cavaliers minutes in 2025-26.
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Versatile Australian forward Luke Travers is determined his ability to defend one through four — "sometimes even one through five" — will earn him more minutes in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025-26 season.
Travers, 24, is entering his second season on another two-way contract with the Cavs, who drafted fellow Australian Tyrese Proctor in the 2025 NBA Draft.
"I’ve got internal goals I’ll keep to myself, but on the court it’s about showing I fit at this level," Perth-born Travers said during the Cavaliers Media Day today.
"It starts with preseason — it’s going to be huge for me to prove I belong and can thrive at this level.
“Versatility, especially on defense.
"I can guard one through four, sometimes even one through five.
"That’s my biggest strength, and with all the switching in today’s NBA, being able to defend guards and also switch onto bigs is huge."
Who is Luke Travers
- Born: September 3, 2001 (Age: 24) in Perth
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Shoots: Right
- Height & Weight: 2.03m & 90kg
- Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
- High School: Willetton Senior High School in Willetton
- Draft: Cleveland Cavaliers, 2nd round (26th pick, 56th overall) in 2022.
- NBA Debut: November 1, 2024
Travers will more than likely spend time with the Cleveland Charge this season but he's confident and focused on his next steps in a "welcoming" Cleveland locker room.
“Just continuing to build," he added.
"This is my second year now, so it’s always easier being around the guys and feeling more comfortable. That’s the biggest thing for me.
“(Culture), it’s huge. It made it easier to fit in. Moving to the other side of the world is daunting, but spending last year with the guys and continuing to build those relationships has been great. They’ve been really good about it.”
Like most hoopers anywhere in the world, Travers said if he had the opportunity to "Space Jam" a skill from any NBA player in history it would be: “Steph Curry’s shooting.
"He’s transformed the game. It’s probably the obvious answer, but for me it’s important.
"My shot is something I’ve worked on for a long time and still need to improve. Having that ability would be a game changer."
And it's pretty clear where Travers spends his time when not hooping.
“AFL — Australian Rules Football," he revealed.
"I know a lot about that. And probably NBA 2K on PlayStation.
"A lot of guys play it now, but I’d say I’ve been playing it the longest and probably know the most.”
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