Tear-jerking scenes as family breaks down at NBA draft
While all the hype for Thursday's NBA draft centred around the shoe-in first overall pick, it was the 10th pick that stole the show.
There was no doubt in anyone's mind as to whose name commissioner Adam Silver was going to call for the first pick of the draft — with 18-year-old Cooper Flagg from Duke selected by the Dallas Mavericks.
However, Flagg wasn't the headline to come out of the draft, with a few interesting storylines trickling down the first crop of selections — including the obstinate Ace Bailey going to his unwanted club of the Utah Jazz. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Cooper Flagg (R) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Credit: Sarah Stier / Getty Images
The moment that made headlines and tugged on viewers heartstrings came with the 10th selection when the Pheonix Suns, via the Houston Rockets, selected South Sudanese product Khaman Maluach.
When Silver announced the pick, the 7in 2ft 18-year-old broke down into tears and was embraced by his family — leaving those watching reaching for the tissues. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Khaman Maluach celebrates with people sitting at his table after being drafted tenth overall by the Houston Rockets during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) *** BESTPIX *** Credit: Sarah Stier / Getty Images
As he walked up on stage to be presented his hat, the new Sun could be seen wiping away tears, showing how much the moment meant to him.
Born in South Sudan, Maluach was raised as a refugee in Kawempe and didn't start playing basketball until he was 13.
Just five years later the tall timber is now in the big league.
The draftee couldn't contain his emotions after being selected.
'The moment exceeded my expectations,' Maluach said on the ESPN broadcast.
'This is one of the best days of my life. I didn't think I was going to cry, but I did.
'I'm excited to put on a Suns jersey with my name on the back and step on the floor.' NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Khaman Maluach celebrates with people sitting at his table after being drafted tenth overall by the Houston Rockets during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Credit: Sarah Stier / Getty Images
Muluach is one of just five players to be taken in the first round that have come from the NBA Academy, joining Australian's Josh Giddey (2021, pick six) and Dyson Daniels (2022, pick eight).
'The NBA Academy opened my eyes and showed me my full potential on what I needed to do to be successful,' Maluach said.
'It was hard being a 14-year-old and going to another country but going to the academy I learned different cultures and languages and how other people live. It also taught me the game of basketball.
'I want to show them the great parts and culture, and change the narrative on how they see my continent.'
The Suns looked like they had won the draft after Maluach fell to them at pick 10, which they acquired from the Kevin Durant trade, with the academy product being rated as the top centre in the draft. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Khaman Maluach of the Phoenix Suns speaks to the media after being drafted tenth overall during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Maluach was drafted by the Houston Rockets then traded to the Phoenix Suns. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Credit: Mike Lawrie / Getty Images
However, they followed up the great pick with a head scratching trade — sending the 29th pick in the draft to Charlotte for centre Mark Williams, a surprise considering the capital they had just invested in Maluach.
The draft continues with round two starting tomorrow, with a crop of Aussie's looking to be the latest from Down Under to join the association. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Alex Toohey of the Kings and Keanu Pinder of the Wildcats during the round three NBL match between Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats at Qudos Bank Arena on October 15, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by) Credit: Jason McCawley / Getty Images
The Australian prospects that will be waiting by the phone include Sydney Kings' Alex Toohey, Brisbane Bullets' Rocco Zikarsky, Duke's Tyrese Proctor and Illawarra Hawks' Lachlan Olbrich.
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Sydney Morning Herald
15 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
This basketballer lived in a shipping container. Now he's part of Australia's equal record NBA draft haul
'But it's definitely warmed up a little bit, and it's a great place to be.' ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony reported that Zikarsky was expected to spend the next two seasons on a two-way contract with the Wolves, allowing him to be able to develop his game between the NBA and its development league. Olbrich joins Giddey at the Bulls Olbrich could team up with fellow Aussie Josh Giddey, who is a restricted free agent and tipped to receive a lucrative new contract from the Bulls after starring for them this past season. Teams don't have to sign second-round picks to contracts and can choose to send them overseas to develop, but there seems a good chance all four will end up in the US league next season. Timberwolves president Tim Connolly said he was 'fired up' about snaring the 18-year-old Zikarsky, who has trained in Minnesota since late March. 'He was a very good competitive swimmer, near Olympic level [at underage level] prior to getting into basketball, so we are fired up,' Connolly told a press conference. 'He is a long-term play but a guy who trained locally, so he appreciates Minnesota. We had a great workout with him, and had him much higher on our board.' Loading Australia's equal-best NBA draft haul With four Australians chosen, this year's draft ranks equal with the 1997 intake for the most Australians ever selected, with Zikarsky (pick 45) the first of the quartet picked up. In 1997, South East Melbourne Magic's Chris Anstey ended up with the Dallas Mavericks after the Portland Trail Blazers drafted him in the first round. C.J. Bruton, Paul Rogers and Ben Pepper were all taken in the second round. The Timberwolves could opt to have the 221-centimetre Zikarsky play elsewhere next year to continue his development, or they could bring him in to learn from veteran centre and four-time NBA defensive player of the year Ruby Gobert. Olbrich was taken by the LA Lakers at pick 55 but had his draft rights traded to the Bulls, who could offer him a two-way contract in which he would move between the G-League and the NBA. Toohey could face a similar situation with the Warriors. ESPN reported during the draft coverage that Proctor was tipped to earn a roster spot with the Cavs, who wanted a young guard to add depth to their line-up. Two-way contracts see players earn about $US600,000 and move between an NBA team and its G-League affiliate. They can suit-up for up to 50 NBA games, and teams can choose to upgrade their contract to a full-season one. The Bulls have a rich history with Australian players. Luc Longley won three-straight titles playing alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s, while Anstey, Cam Bairstow and Luke Schenscher all spent time at Chicago in the years after. Cavs pick up Proctor, Toohey goes to Golden State The Cavaliers made Proctor the latest Aussie to join their ranks when they took him with pick 49. He joins the team where Matthew Dellavedova (who went undrafted) won a title with LeBron James, while former second-round pick Luke Travers was a two-way player in Cleveland this past season. Cavs general manager Mike Gansey told media that Proctor was expected to sign a multi-year contract with the team. Toohey, a wing for the Sydney Kings, had to wait for the 52nd pick to hear his name called out by Golden State. Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy told media the team traded into the second round to draft Toohey and Florida shooter Will Richard, and he didn't think either player was 'years away' from making an impact for the team. Toohey impressed scouts with his feel for the game and defensive nous, but fell into the second round where the Warriors took him with a selection that was originally held by the Phoenix Suns. Proctor played with Duke University in US college basketball and his teammates Flagg, Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel were selected in the top 10. Flagg flies in Dallas; Maluach steals the show The Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the first pick of the draft on Thursday, while 10th pick Maluach stole the show after he capped a stunning rise from South Sudan to the NBA. Cooper Flagg is on his way to the Dallas Mavericks as the No.1 pick in the NBA draft, but the tears of South Sudanese centre Maluach stole the show during the first round. The 216-centimetre Maluach was overcome upon hearing his name called on Thursday (AEST), completing a rise from the streets of South Sudan to the NBA academy, the South Sudan Olympic team and Duke, where he played this past season. His draft rights will be part of the Kevin Durant trade, so while he was drafted by Houston Rockets, he will be headed to the Phoenix Suns. Maluach said he wanted to change perceptions about Africa and promote the best of the continent, rather than its struggles. 'The moment met my expectations,' Maluach said. 'I didn't think I was going to cry, but sometimes I let the emotions out. I was so happy. Everything was just going through my head, my whole journey and my people and the continent I represent, the continent of Africa. 'It just makes me proud because I had beliefs. I believed in myself. I was delusional about my dreams. No matter what the odds are against you, it shows that you can win.' Heckler disrupts the draft's first round Flagg, a Maine native and Duke forward, was a certainty to be the first pick after his stellar season in the US college basketball system, but some conspiracy theorists in the crowd had their say at the start of the event. A fan could be heard screaming 'Dallas was fixed' on the TV broadcast microphones just before NBA commissioner Adam Silver walked to the stage to open the draft. There is an unfounded conspiracy theory among some fans that the Mavericks were awarded the top pick in the NBA draft lottery in return for the shock mid-season trade that resulted in Dallas sending superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in return for Anthony Davis. Mavs fans protested for weeks after the Doncic trade, while the Lakers gained a young superstar to take over from LeBron James when he eventually retires. The Mavericks received the first draft pick, despite having just a 1.8 per cent chance of doing so. The NBA hosts an annual lottery draw for its top selections as a way of avoiding teams deliberately finishing last to gain the first pick. Loading 'No, I don't know what to say about that,' Flagg said when asked about the conspiracy theory. 'I have no insider information, if that's what you're looking for. But I just feel blessed for the way it all worked out.' Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper was taken at No.2 by the San Antonio Spurs, followed by Bahamas and Baylor University guard V.J. Edgecombe at No.3, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers. In the name of the brothers Duke guard Knueppel went to the Charlotte Hornets with pick four, followed by Rutgers guard Ace Bailey to the Utah Jazz and Texas guard Tre Johnson, who joined the Washington Wizards with pick six. Knueppel is the oldest of five brothers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, all of whom have names starting with 'K': Kager, Kingston, Kash and Kidman. All five appeared on the ESPN broadcast of the draft and all are aspiring basketballers. New Pelicans could be headed to Melbourne The New Orleans Pelicans, who will play two pre-season games in Melbourne against NBL clubs later this year, picked Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears at No.7 and traded for big man Derick Queen at No.13. The pair will likely debut in Pelicans colours at Rod Laver Arena. Fears hopes the pair can become stars together as the Pelicans re-tool their roster under new boss Joe Dumars. Fears found out about the trade while talking to the media. 'That's super dope. Derik is a great guy, super talented. You can expect a lot from him this season,' Fears said. 'I feel like our connection and our duo is going to go a long way, as well. I'm definitely looking forward to continuing to build that connection, two rookies coming in. You guys should expect big things.' San Antonio were again big winners as they drafted the highly touted Harper at No.2 and then grabbed Arizona defensive ace Carter Bryant at No.14 to pair with French superstar Victor Wembanyama. Harper is the son of five-time NBA championship winner Ron Harper who won three titles with Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls and two with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Byrant's LA Lakers. Chinese centre Yang Hansen was a surprise early selection by Memphis Grizzlies at No.16, and his draft rights were traded to Portland. The LA Clippers used the 30th pick on Swiss seven-footer Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Dillon Brooks says his ex threatened to cut his fingers off as he files restraining order
Mercurial NBA star Dillon Brooks alleges his ex once threatened to cut off his fingers, with the newly acquired Phoenix Sun now seeking a restraining order. Brooks — just days removed from being traded out of Houston as part of the Kevin Durant blockbuster — filed for a restraining order in Los Angeles against his ex Heather Andrews, the New York Post reports. Brooks reportedly accused Andrews of harassment and making threats, according to TMZ. In purported correspondence obtained by TMZ, Brooks said a message allegedly from the mother of his two young children read: 'I'll habe [sic] someone cut each one of your f**king little fingers off one by one… So you can never play basketball LOL… And actually now I understand why people are racist.' Brooks, said to have met Andrews at a Las Vegas nightclub in 2018, claimed the harassment originated around the time she was pregnant with their first child. He alleges to have been the recipient of 'emotionally abusive' messages, with their private exchanges sometimes being shared in a public space to cast him in a negative light. The matter intensified when their second baby was on the way, according to Brooks, who said Andrews' 'threats referenced various different ways that she was going to hurt me either personally, professionally, or both'. Brooks also claimed Andrews threatened his mother by sharing the message: 'I'll send someone after your mom to [sic] bitch.' The former second-round pick recently alleged Andrews gained unauthorised access to his account on the OurFamilyWizard co-parenting app and transmitted 'a 'criminal threat' message to herself purporting to come from me', per TMZ. Beyond the alleged threats, Andrews is accused of defacing Brooks' property. One apparent incident dating back to 2022 claims she scribbled 'You Suck Bitch' on an outdoor mantle. Both parties are expected to meet in front of a judge in July. Brooks, widely regarded as the league's top antagonist, is heading to the Suns after Phoenix shipped Durant to the Rockets last weekend. Young star Jalen Green is also part of the package. Brooks averaged 14 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game this season. He began his career in Memphis in 2017.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
'We're fired up': Rocco tops historic Aussie draft call
Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said.
