What’s next? Where the Boomers are playing, who could stay for Paris 2024

The Boomers won scores of new fans during the Tokyo Olympics and as they celebrate their bronze medal. Here is a look at where they will be playing this season and who could return for the next Games, Paris 2024.

The mainstays

Patty Mills: Carried the flag, carried the team and inspired the nation with 42 points in the bronze medal game. “Patty Thrills” will head to the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year, US$16 million deal to help Kevin Durant and James Harden chase the NBA title. Who would bet against him and who could rule him out of a fifth Olympics in Paris? His 36th birthday is the last night of those Games.

Joe Ingles and Patty Mills hug after winning the bronze medal game in Tokyo. Could they do it again in Paris?Credit:Getty

Joe Ingles: Another four-time Olympian who came up with some big shots in the bronze medal game. Ingles will head back to the Utah Jazz for his eighth season as they chase an elusive championship. Ingles would be 36 in Paris; “Slo-Mo Joe” could play a role.

Matthew Dellavedova: “Delly” had a tough campaign on the back of a disrupted NBA season, during which he was dealing with a prolonged concussion. He gave his all and had some good moments, his quick pass to Matisse Thybulle for a dunk on half-time against Slovenia stood out. Delavedova will either sign a deal to stay in the NBA or come home to Melbourne United in the NBL. A stint home could regenerate him. At 33, he could still play a role in Paris, if fit. If he is in the NBL, he will certainly play a role in making sure the Boomers qualify for the next FIBA World Cup and Paris.

Matthew Dellavedova drives against Argentina.Credit:AP

Aron Baynes: Baynes was thriving as starting centre until he suffered a neck injury against Italy. Reports emerged on Saturday night that his injury could be “severe” and keep him out for the new NBA season. Baynes is a free agent. If he is fit, he is a sure-fire NBA signing. He would be 37 in Paris, don’t rule him out.

Chris Goulding: A few years back, Goulding doubted he would make the team for Tokyo but he was selling himself short as his clutch shooting was invaluable late in quarters. Two threes against Slovenia proved his worth. Goulding is expected to return to Melbourne United after leading them to their second championship this season. As for Paris, if he is still making his shots who knows?

The newcomers

Jock Landale: With Baynes out, Landale gave the Boomers priceless points and presence in the paint. To top it all off, the NBL grand final MVP was rewarded with a long-awaited NBA deal as he will join San Antonio Spurs in a multi-year contract. At 25, he is tipped to be a fixture for years to come, including Paris.

Jock Landale throws down a dunk.Credit:Getty Images

Dante Exum: Despite being an NBA free agent, Exum dedicated himself to the Boomers after injuries kept him out of the side since 2016. His fearless drives, defence and 12 points in the bronze medal game may have turned his career around. Someone is going to get a bargain in the NBA this season. He will be 30 in Paris and could be an ace for the Boomers.

Matisse Thybulle: Australia owes his dad Gregory a massive thanks for keeping him in the country long enough to qualify for the passport. The Boomers should have called him up years ago. Thybulle’s athleticism, defensive toughness and a surprisingly accurate three-point shot proved game-changers. He clearly loved every minute and hopefully will be a fixture from now on. He will be 27 in Paris and could be Australia’s best player by then.

Matisse Thybulle (left) and Nic Kay (right) control a rebound.Credit:Getty Images

Nic Kay: In 2019, Kay was the guy casual fans questioned. He walks away from Tokyo as the role player every team is desperate for. Kay did all the tough stuff, pulled in key rebounds and nailed vital three-pointers. Everything the Boomers asked for, he delivered. The Tamworth native will be a poster child for junior coaches. Kay has signed for Shimane Susanoo Magic in Japan. He will be on this team until his body says “no more”. Kay will be 33 in Paris.

Nathan Sobey: Left out of the squad before the NBL season, Sobey was so good for the Bullets, he earned a place in Tokyo. He did well against Italy, had a few scratchy games but he gave his all and did what was asked. Sobey is expected to remain with the Bullets this season. He will be 34 for Paris but will play a role in qualification.

The rookies

Josh Green: The Dallas Mavericks swingman only played a few minutes but gave his all and threw down some dunks against Argentina. Green will be back with the Mavericks for his second season and who knows how good this 20-year-old could be in three years’ time in Paris. He is a big part of the future.

Duop Reath: Reath was a late call-up and a back-up in case injuries hit the other big men but he showed glimpses of his talent, knocking down some shots and making some plays inside in limited minutes. Reath will join Brian Goorjian’s Hawks this coming NBL season and he will be 28 in Paris so will still be in the frame, although he will face competition for his spot.

Ones to watch

Ben Simmons: History is made by those who show up and Simmons chose to stay home. He could potentially be the best player in the world but his Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly trying to trade him. He will 28 in Paris; let’s hope he finds the spirit of that 17-year-old who excitedly made his Boomers debut years ago.

Josh Giddey after being drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder.Credit:AP

Josh Giddey: The newly drafted Oklahoma City rookie did everything he could to make the Tokyo Olympics side before Sobey was given the nod. He accepted his omission and vowed to return to the Boomers at the next opportunity. The 18-year-old begins his NBA Summer League campaign this week; in three years’ time he could be anything for the Boomers.

Dyson Daniels: The Bendigo-raised guard is another super-athletic player who chose to join the NBA’s G-League Ignite team for this coming season with eyes on being a first-round pick in next year’s NBA draft. He is defensively impressive and already played for the Boomers. Like Giddey, he could be putting his hand up for a role in Paris.

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