OKC Becoming Aussies' Destination Club?

While there are still plenty of dominoes to fall in NBA free agency, Oklahoma City is currently firming as Australia’s new home away from home.

Former Adelaide 36er Josh Giddey is a well-established presence at the Thunder, and the side has now reportedly acquired former Melbourne pair Jack White and Patty Mills, from Denver and Brooklyn respectively.

Chris Anstey played for three seasons in the NBA, and never had a fellow Australian representative on his side. Although there is still time in free agency for more player movement, he believes the nation’s basketball fans should get behind the Thunder.

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“They’ve got 19 contracted players at the moment and, clearly, 19 doesn’t go into 15 and eventually 12,” Anstey said on SEN.

“Clearly there will be some more moves, but as it sits now three Australians on one team – if you’re an Aussie and they don’t become your first team I’d imagine the OKC Thunder will become your second team.

“I’m rapt Jack White ended up there and he’ll be in a battle to earn minutes and a roster spot, and Patty Mills – I think everyone who follows Patty understood the situation at the Brooklyn Nets wasn’t ideal for him.

“The NBA season only seems like it finished a couple of weeks ago and already there’s more excitement around the movement of Aussies in the NBA.

“It would be historic to have three [Australians] on one NBA team.”

Each of White, Mills and Giddey spent time in the NBL ahead of their move to the Thunder, with only Mills heading to the competition as an established international talent.

Giddey has become one of the flagship players for the competition’s Next Stars program, while Jack White played two seasons with Melbourne, following a collegiate career with Duke.

Prior to heading to Duke, he represented Cairns as a development player.

“One thing I’ll say about the NBL as a springboard is it prepares you and it opens the NBA’s door to you,” Anstey continued.

“Clearly it’s still up to the player once they step through the doors to take advantage of the opportunity that’s presented.

“The NBA is doing a great job of scouring the globe, and if you’re good enough and you find a basketball situation you think you’ll be suited to you’ll be found by the NBA.”