We take a look at the nine former Next Stars who made a NBA roster for the 2024-2025 season, starting from the Class of 2024 players who are entering the league as rookies. 

Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards - former Perth Wildcats)
The #2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft comes off a great pre-season with the Washington Wizards, shooting from three way over 50 per cent and impressing with his defensive instincts. Sarr is seen as a key piece of the rebuilding Wizards and will look to establish his place in the league

AJ Johnson (Milwaukee Bucks - former Illawarra Hawks)
Johnson had plenty of opportunities to show his potential, with coach Doc Rivers praising him for the way he attacks the basket. He put up big numbers against the Lakers and is enjoying the mentorship of one of the league’s best point guards in Damian Lillard. 

Ariel Hukporti (New York Knicks - former Melbourne United)
Hukporti has showed his value as a rim-running big who protects the painted area, and he quickly became a favourite of Coach Thibodeau. With Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa sidelined with injuries for the coming months, the former Next Star could earn his spot in the Knicks' rotation.

Bobi Klintman (Detroit Pistons - former Cairns Taipans) & Trentyn Flowers (Los Angeles Clippers - former Adelaide 36ers)
While both Klintman and Flowers had to sit out to tune-up games because of minor injuries, they will both start the season on an NBA roster, with the hope to maximise any opportunity that may arise with two teams competing for a spot in the post-season, like the Pistons and the Clippers. 

LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets - former Illawarra Hawks)
There are high expectations on LaMelo Ball and his Hornets ahead of this season. The team has brought in Charles Lee as its new Head Coach after his experience as lead assistant with the Boston Celtics, and the hopes are that he helps develop the star duo of Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball into one of the best backcourts in the league. 

Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls - former Adelaide 36ers)
Coming off a great run at the Olympics with the Boomers, Giddey is now running the show in Chicago with his new franchise. After leaving OKC in search of a role as a leading playmaker, the Australian point guard has been handed the keys of one of the most storied sports teams in the world — and will look the make the most of the opportunity as he seeks a new contract at the end of the season.

Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder - former New Zealand Breakers)
Dieng has put up big numbers in some of the tune-up games, including a 20-point showing against his former NBL team, the Breakers, when they played the Thunder in Tulsa on October 10th. The franchise is vastly seen as a contender for the NBA Finals, and the French forward will look to make his contribution on the way to their goal.

Rayan Rupert (Portland Trail Blazers - former New Zealand Breakers)
The Trail Blazers are in full rebuilding mode and will give their young players plenty of playing time. Rupert has had good flashes in pre-season and is pushing to be a part of the wing rotation.