IT WAS a successful second round of the 2025 NBA Draft from an Australian perspective, with four players being picked up to join the top level in the coming years, while another joined as a signing after the draft.

It was always looming as a big year for Aussie prospects, even after the duo of Alex Condon and Ben Henshall withdrew heading into the draft, with plenty of other prospects still on the board after promising junior careers.

The first Australian prospect off the board was Rocco Zikarsky, who joined the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 45th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, signing a two-way contract to allow him to develop. The big man was once touted as a top-10 prospect heading into his draft year, but ended up sliding into the second round after injuries interrupted his 2024/25 campaign.

Regardless, he still showed his promise with the Brisbane Bullets over a two-year stint, and has international experience under his belt already. He caught the eye of scouts once again at the draft combine, having put on some size since his last NBL outing, and with his already recorded seven-foot-four frame (as well as a wingspan of a nine-foot-six), he will now become the fourth tallest player in the NBA.

Then, at pick 49, it was Tyrese Proctor‘s turn to have his name called out to join the NBA, being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Duke Blue Devils guard was also projected to be a lottery selection heading into this season, but the arrival of Cooper Flagg changed his role to more of an off-ball contributor.

However, it gave Proctor the opportunity to work on other areas of his game, with his perimeter shooting once a knock on his game, but he nailed 40 per cent of his long-range attempts this season, and the Cavaliers found he was worth the punt in the second round. He is also fully contracted for the 2025/26 season, indicating he will be getting some court time as a rookie.

The Golden State Warriors were the next side to add an Australian to their roster, picking up Alex Toohey with selection number 52. The Sydney Kings forward has been excellent in the NBL over the past couple of seasons, winning the Next Generation Award and showcasing his skills as a versatile wing who can score inside, shoot the ball, and works well in transition.

He will join point guard Taran Armstrong on the Warriors, and it will be an exciting moment for Australian fans if the duo make it on the court at the same time. Toohey will also be able to learn off some of the NBA’s best players, joining the likes of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green in Golden State.

Finally, the biggest Aussie bolter of 2025, Lachlan Olbrich was the fourth player from his nation to be selected in the draft, joining the Chicago Bulls with the 55th pick. Olbrich had to take the long road to the NBA, earning an invite to the league’s combine after impressing immensely at the G League combine. He clearly did enough to end up on an NBA roster, in one of the feel good stories of the second round.

There was a bonus surprise for Aussies when sharpshooter Reyne Smith joined the Denver Nuggets for the upcoming NBA Summer League. Although it is not a guaranteed spot on an NBA roster, it is a step in the right direction for the former Louisville Cardinal, who will be certainly eager to impress enough to pick up a contract for next season.