10
Nov
4 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Luke Travers
Luke Travers #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a photo during media day at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on September 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images
Luke Travers plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA
- Selected 56th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2022 NBA Draft
- NBL champion with the Perth Wildcats in 2020
- Gold medal winner at the 2018 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship
Luke Travers is an Australian basketball player who has risen from the NBL to secure a place in the NBA, showcasing versatility and potential along the way. He earned his first minutes on November 2, 2024 against the Orlando Magic, playing 3:49 minutes. He scored four points, including a two-handed dunk, grabbed two rebounds, dished out two assists and got a block.
Key details
Name: Luke Jacob Travers
Age: 23
Team(s): Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Charge (NBA G League)
Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
Size: 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Weight: 207 lb (94 kg)
Playing style
Luke Travers is a versatile player known for his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Standing at 6'7", he possesses excellent size for a guard, which allows him to play and defend multiple positions effectively. Travers' game is characterised by his athleticism, court vision, and developing shooting ability.
On offense, Travers showcases a well-rounded skill set. He's comfortable handling the ball and initiating the offence, displaying good passing ability and decision-making skills. His size advantage over many guards allows him to see over defenders and make plays for his teammates. While not primarily known as a scorer, Travers has shown the ability to finish at the rim and hit open shots from the perimeter.
Career
Luke Travers' professional journey began in his home country of Australia, where he quickly made a name for himself in the National Basketball League (NBL). After impressing in the State Basketball League for the Rockingham Flames, Travers signed with the Perth Wildcats as a development player for the 2019-20 season. Despite limited playing time in his rookie year, he was part of the Wildcats' championship-winning squad, gaining valuable experience at a young age.
The 2020-21 season saw Travers take on an increased role with the Wildcats. He demonstrated his versatility by starting games at power forward, despite traditionally being a wing player. His ability to adapt to different positions and impact the game in various ways became evident, as he contributed to the Wildcats' run to the NBL Grand Final.
Travers' breakout came in the 2021-22 NBL season, where he averaged 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His improved performance and intriguing potential caught the eye of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 56th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Following the draft, Travers returned to Australia for another season with the Wildcats before signing with Melbourne United for the 2023-24 NBL season. His time with United saw him further develop his game, averaging 12.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting an impressive 51.7% from the field.
Travers' performances in the NBL and Summer League eventually led to him signing a two-way contract with the Cavaliers in August 2024, marking the beginning of his NBA journey. This contract allows him to split time between the Cavaliers and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, providing an opportunity to develop his skills at the highest level of professional basketball.
Five Fast Facts
- Travers was childhood friends with AFL player Luke Jackson.
- He opted to forgo college basketball in the United States to begin his professional career in Australia.
- Travers was named the SBL Most Improved Player in 2019.
- He helped break a 17-year drought for Western Australia by winning gold at the Under-18 National Championships in 2018.
- Travers was named to the all-tournament second team at the 2018 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship.
Career Highlights Timeline
2017: Made senior debut for Rockingham Flames in the State Basketball League
2018: Won gold at the Under-16 FIBA Asia Championship with Australia
2019: Signed with Perth Wildcats as a development player
2020: Won NBL championship with Perth Wildcats
2022: Selected 56th overall by Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA Draft
2023: Signed three-year deal with Melbourne United
2024: Won NBA Summer League championship with Cleveland Cavaliers
2024: Signed two-way contract with Cleveland Cavaliers
Luke Travers' journey from the suburban courts of Perth to the NBA is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and versatility. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways, combined with his size and athleticism, make him an intriguing prospect for the Cleveland Cavaliers. As he transitions to the NBA, Travers carries with him the experience of professional success in Australia's NBL and the potential to develop into a valuable contributor at the highest level of basketball.
The coming years will be crucial for Travers as he adapts to the NBA's pace and physicality. His two-way contract provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience both in the NBA and G League, allowing him to refine his skills and adjust to the American style of play. If he can successfully translate his versatile game to the NBA level, Luke Travers could become another success story in the growing line of Australian basketball talent making an impact on the global stage.
