Garnett: 'Before Steph, there was Shane Heal'

• Scored 61 points in a game for the Brisbane Bullets in 1994
• Four-time Olympian representing Australia (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004)
• Won NBL championships with Sydney Kings in 2003 and 2004

Shane Heal, known as "Hammer," was an electrifying point guard whose ability to shoot the ball (from anywhere) and tenacious play made him one of Australia's most iconic basketball players.

NBA Hall of Famer and NBA champion Kevin Garnett has described Heal as the best international player he has played with. They suited up together for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1996-97.

The Big Ticket said: "Shane Heal. He could shoot that $*$%%, before Steph Curry, there was Shane Heal. Shane Heal had hands.

"Shout out to Shane Heal. GP (Gary Payton) thought he was going to punk Shane Heal, 'hey mate, I'm going to hit you with a flurry of blows, get you to think about it'.

"He had a wetter (smooth jump shot), him and Steph (Marbury) would go at it everyday.

"Steph would come in there with that CI (Coney Island), Brooklyn %*&% talking, talking %^%$ during practice: 'Yeah son, you ain't see this though son, Shane Heal [says], 'Hey mate, I don't know what you said, mate, but take this three ball with you, mate'.

"Shout out to Shane Heal, from Australia, a real one."

Heal responded to Garnett's praise with: "My man 👊🏻".

Heal played 43 games for the T-Wolves in 1996-97 and six more for the San Antonio Spurs in 2003-04.

Overview

Shane Heal's impact on Australian basketball is substantial. A prolific scorer with deep shooting range, Heal made his mark in the National Basketball League (NBL) and on the international stage. His fiery competitiveness and clutch play earned him legendary status within Australian basketball.

Career snapshot

Heal’s career spanned from 1988 to 2009, primarily in the NBL, with stints in the NBA and European leagues. He played for several NBL teams, including the Sydney Kings, where he won back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004. Heal represented Australia in four Olympic Games, bringing his fearless style to the international arena.

Playing style

Heal was known for his exceptional three-point shooting, able to make shots from well beyond the arc. Standing at just 6'1", he compensated for his size with quick release, accuracy, and relentless confidence.

Heal's leadership and high basketball IQ allowed him to control the game’s tempo, making him a key playmaker.

Why Shane Heal is on our list

Shane Heal’s inclusion among the most dominant NBL players is clear from his scoring feats, leadership, and impact on Australian basketball. His 61-point game for the Brisbane Bullets in 1994 is one of the top single-game scoring performances in NBL history, although it did not set the all-time record.

Heal’s Olympic performances helped elevate Australia’s basketball reputation. His confrontation with Charles Barkley in a 1996 Olympic warm-up game became iconic, demonstrating his fearlessness on the world stage.

Five Fast Facts

1. Played 440 NBL games over 21 seasons, averaging 18.5 points per game.
2. Set an NBL record for most three-pointers in a season with 152 in 1998.
3. Had two NBA stints: Minnesota Timberwolves (1996-97) and San Antonio Spurs (2003-04).
4. Represented Australia in four Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004).
5. Transitioned to coaching, including a head coaching role with the Sydney Kings.

Career Highlights Timeline

• 1988: Debuts in the NBL with Brisbane Bullets at age 17.
• 1991: Wins NBL Rookie of the Year with Geelong SuperCats.
• 1992: Makes Olympic debut for Australia in Barcelona.
• 1994: Scores 61 for the Brisbane Bullets against the Townsville Crocs, the third highest in NBA history.
• 1996: Gains international attention in a standout performance against the USA's Dream Team III.
• 1997: Joins Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming one of the few Australians in the NBA.
• 2001: Scores 51 points for Sydney Kings.
• 2003: Wins first NBL championship with Sydney Kings.
• 2004: Wins second consecutive NBL championship and plays in his fourth Olympic Games.
• 2009: Retires after a season with the Gold Coast Blaze.

Legacy and Impact

Shane Heal’s influence on Australian basketball extended beyond statistics. His shooting ability, competitive drive, and willingness to go head-to-head with international stars elevated the sport’s status in Australia.

Heal’s dedication, especially in Olympic play, showcased Australian talent on a global stage and inspired a generation of young players to pursue basketball professionally. His transition to coaching allowed him to pass on his skills and insights to the next generation, cementing his legacy as a true legend of the sport.