Aussies in NBA history: Nathan Jawai

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basketball.com.au

Australian Nathan Jawai of the Boomers poses for a photograph after the morning session of the Boomers squad training camp at the Frank Stewart training hall in the AIS on June 22, 2006 in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Nathan Jawai: From Remote Cape York to NBA

First Indigenous Australian to play in the NBA
Drafted 41st overall in 2008 NBA Draft by Indiana Pacers, traded to Toronto Raptors
Successful career across NBA, European leagues, and Australian NBL

Nathan Jawai's journey from remote Cape York to becoming Australia's first Indigenous NBA player is a testament to his resilience and talent.

Name: Nathan Leon Jawai
‍Age: 38 (born 10 October 1986)
‍Team(s): Toronto Raptors; Minnesota Timberwolves; Cairns Taipans; and Perth Wildcats
‍Position: Power Forward / Centre
‍Size: 209 cm (6'10")
‍Weight: 130 kg (287 lbs)

Nathan Jawai's playing style was characterised by his imposing physical presence and strength in the paint. Standing at 209 cm and weighing 130 kg, Jawai earned nicknames like "Aussie Shaq" and "Outback Shaq" due to his resemblance to Shaquille O'Neal. His size and power made him a formidable force under the basket, both offensively and defensively.

Jawai's game centred around his ability to use his body to create space and finish strongly at the rim. He was particularly effective in the low post, where he could overpower smaller defenders and utilise his soft touch around the basket. While not known for his range, Jawai's offensive repertoire focused on high-percentage shots close to the hoop, making him an efficient scorer when given the opportunity.

Australians Nathan Jawai #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket over Chris Kaman #35 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on November 2, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 93-90. Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Nathan Jawai's Career

Nathan Jawai's professional basketball journey began with the Cairns Taipans in the Australian NBL during the 2007-08 season. His impressive performances, averaging 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, caught the attention of NBA scouts. This led to Jawai being drafted 41st overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, with his rights immediately traded to the Toronto Raptors.

Jawai's NBA debut came on 21 January 2009 with the Raptors, marking a historic moment as he became the first Indigenous Australian to play in the NBA. His time in the world's top basketball league was brief but significant, spanning parts of two seasons with the Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves. While he struggled to find consistent playing time, Jawai's presence in the NBA paved the way for future Indigenous Australian players.

After his NBA stint, Jawai embarked on a successful career in European basketball. He played for several high-profile clubs, including Partizan Belgrade in Serbia, UNICS Kazan in Russia, and FC Barcelona in Spain. These experiences allowed Jawai to develop his game further and compete at a high level in some of Europe's top leagues.

Jawai's career came full circle when he returned to Australia, playing for the Perth Wildcats in the 2015-16 NBL season. He was a key contributor to the Wildcats' championship-winning team that year, showcasing his value as an experienced big man. Following this success, Jawai returned to his roots, signing with the Cairns Taipans for multiple seasons, solidifying his status as a respected veteran in the Australian league.

Nathan Jawai of the Australian Boomers slam dunks during game two of the International Series between Australia and Argentina at on June 27, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images

Five Fast Facts

Jawai is the cousin of NBA player Patty Mills and NRL players Edrick Lee and Brenko Lee
His great uncle is Indigenous land rights activist Eddie Mabo
Jawai began playing basketball at the age of 15, relatively late for a future professional
He played college basketball for one season at Midland College in the United States
Jawai has represented Australia as part of the national team, the Boomers

Career Highlights Timeline

2007: Joined Cairns Taipans in the NBL, averaging 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game

2008: Drafted 41st overall in the NBA Draft by Indiana Pacers, rights traded to Toronto Raptors

2009: Made NBA debut with Toronto Raptors, becoming first Indigenous Australian in the NBA

2010: Signed with Partizan Belgrade, beginning his European basketball career

2012: Joined FC Barcelona, competing in the EuroLeague

2015: Returned to Australia, winning NBL championship with Perth Wildcats

2016: Signed three-year deal to return to Cairns Taipans

Australian Nate Jawai of the Wildcats holds the ball off Torrey Craig of the Taipans during the round seven NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and the Cairns Taipans at Perth Arena on November 22, 2015 in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Nathan Jawai's basketball career is a remarkable story of perseverance and achievement. From his beginnings in remote Cape York to becoming the first Indigenous Australian in the NBA, Jawai has left an indelible mark on Australian basketball. His journey through the NBA, top European leagues, and the Australian NBL demonstrates his adaptability and enduring skill as a professional player.

Jawai's legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements. As a trailblazer for Indigenous Australian basketball players, he has opened doors and inspired future generations. His career serves as a powerful example of how talent, combined with opportunity and determination, can lead to success on the global stage.