8
Nov
5 min read
Aussies in NBA history: Chris Anstey
Chris Anstey of the Boomers poses during the Australian Basketball portrait shoot at the Australian Institute of Sport on June 1, 2008 in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
Chris Anstey: Elite rim protector at Dallas Mavericks after Blazers trade
- NBA first-round draft pick (18th overall) in 1997
- Two-time NBL MVP (2006, 2008) and three-time NBL champion
- Represented Australia at two Olympic Games (2000, 2008)
Chris Anstey, a versatile 7-footer, dominated Australian basketball and made his mark in the NBA, becoming one of the most decorated players in NBL history.
Key Details
Name: Christopher John Anstey
Age: 49
Team(s): Melbourne Tigers, South East Melbourne Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Victoria Titans, Ural Great, UNICS Kazan
Position: Center
Size: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Weight: 245 lb (111 kg)
Chris Anstey's imposing 7-foot frame made him a formidable presence, but it was his versatility that truly set him apart. Unlike many centres of his era, Anstey possessed a well-rounded skill set that allowed him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he was a shot-blocking menace, leading the NBL in blocks for four consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2009. His length and timing made him an elite rim protector, deterring opponents from attacking the paint.
Offensively, Anstey was far more than just a back-to-the-basket player. He had a soft touch around the rim and could step out to hit mid-range jumpers, keeping defenders honest. His ability to run the floor in transition and finish above the rim made him a constant threat in fast-break situations. Anstey's passing skills were also noteworthy for a big man, allowing him to facilitate from the high post and find cutters or open shooters when double-teamed.
Chris Anstey's Career
Chris Anstey's basketball journey began relatively late, as he only took up the sport at age 17 after a promising junior tennis career. Despite this late start, his natural athleticism and height quickly caught the attention of scouts. Anstey made his NBL debut with the Melbourne Tigers in 1994, before moving to the South East Melbourne Magic, where he won his first NBL championship in 1996 and earned the league's Most Improved Player award.
Anstey's rapid development led to him being selected 18th overall in the 1997 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, though his rights were immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He spent two seasons with the Mavericks before being traded to the Chicago Bulls for the 1999-2000 season. While his NBA career was relatively brief, averaging 5.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game over three seasons, it was a significant achievement for an Australian player of that era.
Upon returning to Australia, Anstey joined the Victoria Titans and quickly reasserted his dominance in the NBL. He won the Best Sixth Man award in 2001 and was named to the All-NBL First Team in 2002. Seeking new challenges, Anstey then embarked on a successful stint in Europe, playing for Ural Great Perm in Russia and UNICS Kazan. With UNICS Kazan, he led the team to a EuroChallenge Championship in 2004, the first in Russian history, and was named a EuroLeague All-Star in both 2004 and 2005.
Anstey's return to the Melbourne Tigers in 2006 marked the beginning of his most dominant period in Australian basketball. He won back-to-back NBL MVP awards in 2006 and 2008, leading the Tigers to championships in both those years and earning Grand Final MVP honours as well. His defensive prowess was recognised with the NBL Best Defensive Player award in 2008, and he led the league in rebounding in 2008 and 2009.
Five Fast Facts
- Anstey was initially a promising tennis player, ranked second among Australia's 15-year-olds before switching to basketball at age 17.
- He won gold with the Australian Emus at the 1997 22 & Under World Championships, where he was named tournament MVP.
- Anstey is one of only five Australian players to have won multiple NBL MVP awards.
- He represented Australia at two Olympic Games (2000 and 2008) and the 1998 FIBA World Championship.
- After retiring as a player, Anstey became head coach of the Melbourne Tigers/United from 2012 to 2014.
Career Highlights Timeline
1994: Debuts in the NBL with Melbourne Tigers
1996: Wins NBL Championship with South East Melbourne Magic and NBL Most Improved Player award
1997: Selected 18th overall in the NBA draft by Portland Trail Blazers (traded to Dallas Mavericks)
2000: Represents Australia at the Sydney Olympics, finishing fourth
2001: Wins NBL Best Sixth Man award with Victoria Titans
2004: Leads UNICS Kazan to EuroChallenge Championship, named EuroLeague All-Star
2006: Wins NBL MVP, Championship, and Grand Final MVP with Melbourne Tigers
2008: Repeats as NBL MVP, wins Championship and Grand Final MVP, named NBL Best Defensive Player
2010: Retires from professional basketball after 16-year career
Chris Anstey's basketball career is a testament to his versatility, perseverance, and impact on Australian basketball. From his late start in the sport to becoming an NBA draft pick and then dominating the NBL, Anstey's journey is truly remarkable. His ability to excel in multiple leagues – the NBL, NBA, and European competitions – showcases his adaptability and skill set that transcended any single style of play.
Anstey's legacy extends beyond his individual accolades. As one of the most successful Australian big men of his generation, he helped pave the way for future Australian players to dream of NBA careers.
His success in Europe also demonstrated the global potential of Australian basketball talent. In the NBL, his dominant performances in the late 2000s helped maintain the league's competitive standard and entertainment value during a challenging period for the competition.
