Viral star Johnny Furphy headlines Aussie NBA party
Shayne Hope |
Viral sensation Johnny Furphy is poised to become the next Australian to take the NBA by storm with a growing highlights reel that has already led to him being dubbed the “best white dunker” the league has seen in years.
Furphy joins established stars Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels in another strong contingent of Australian products in NBA ranks for the 2025/26 season, which starts on Wednesday (AEDT).
And the 20-year-old Indiana Pacers forward is quickly adding to a stunning collection of posters that has already propelled him to global popularity since his rookie year.
Furphy sent fans into a pre-season frenzy when he monstered the Oklahoma City defence with a drive to the basket and powerful finish over the top of Malevy Leons earlier this month.
It was one of the biggest slams of 2025, leading former NBA star Patrick Beverley to call for Furphy’s inclusion in the league’s dunk contest on All-Star weekend this season.
“Best white dunker we’ve seen in some years,” Beverley posted on social media.
The spectacular pre-season dunk followed a similar poster in the Summer League against Chicago, which drew high praise from Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton and fellow teammate Bennedict Mathurin, who declared, “Oh he ready now.”
Further highlights are all but guaranteed as Furphy – who was taken No.35 overall in the 2024 NBA draft – continues to build confidence at the highest level.
The Melbourne native averaged 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in 7.6 minutes across 50 appearances last season, and featured 11 times in the playoffs as the Pacers lost the best-of-seven NBA Finals series to Oklahoma City.
He has since put together a strong off-season and added noticeable size to his 201cm frame, looming as one of the main Australians to watch alongside Chicago Bulls playmaker Giddey and Atlanta Hawks defensive guru Daniels.
Giddey is on a new four-year deal worth $38 million per season as a central figure in the Bulls’ offence, while Daniels is poised to reach a new level after claiming the league’s Most Improved Player award last season.
The 22-year-old was dubbed the ‘Great Barrier Thief’ on his way to snatching 229 steals last season – the most by any player in a single campaign for three decades.
Rookie centre Rocco Zikarsky teams up with Boomers veteran Joe Ingles with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dante Exum could feature heavily in the Dallas Mavericks’ title bid if he stays fit.
Jock Landale should get more opportunity as a back-up centre with the Memphis Grizzlies, draftee Tyrese Proctor is turning heads in Cleveland alongside Luke Travers, and Matisse Thybulle is ready to build off his strong finish to last season after returning from injury.
But the playing futures of revered guard Patty Mills and injured-plagued Ben Simmons are in limbo, with the veteran pair still unsigned ahead of the new season.
The 2025/26 NBA season starts when Houston host Oklahoma City and Golden State take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday (AEDT).
AAP
