Aussie basketballer and perennial Boomer Ryan Broekhoff has finally seen his ship come in after years of hard, honest work, with the 27-year-old agreeing to a two-year contract with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks earlier this morning.
Broekhoff reportedly had a number of offers on the table from European sides – where he has been plying his trade for the past five years – but turned them down in order to chase his dream of playing in the world’s most popular and competitive basketball league.
Broekhoff’s deal with the Mavericks is a two year contract worth USD$2.4million, the first year of which is fully guaranteed.
So excited to announce I am joining the @dallasmavs. A dream come true. All the hard work and sacrifices have been worth it. pic.twitter.com/eMWh0Ny60z
— Ryan Broekhoff (@RBroekhoff45) July 6, 2018
Both Russian league powerhouse Khimki Moscow and EuroLeague mainstay Anadolu Efes Istanbul were reportedly heavily chasing Broekhoff’s services, but after five years the Frankston-born lad decided to make the shift across to the US where he worked out with Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Washington, Minnesota, and Brooklyn, before ultimately securing his dream deal with Dallas.
A perimeter shooting utility, the 201cm-tall Broekhoff has drawn comparisons to fellow hard-working Australian Joe Ingles in the way he plays, particularly his ability to shoot from long range.
Australian basketball and sporting personalities have chimed in their words of congratulations on today’s signing.
https://twitter.com/andrewbogut/status/1015024215697731584
Another one! Big ups to @RBroekhoff45 on becoming the latest 🇦🇺 to join the #NBA after signing a ✌️ year deal with the @dallasmavs 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RaFI9gNNkl
— NBL (@NBL) July 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/Joeingles7/status/1015011483959226368
Huge congratulations to @RBroekhoff45 on his new deal with the Dallas Mavericks! Good to see you’ll be in the blue & white as well! #CatsFansDoingGood #WeAreGeelong
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) July 6, 2018
Broekhoff has his work cut out for him if he wants to see NBA court time, with the Mavericks roster brimming with high-profile talent like recently drafted Slovenian wunderkind Luka Dončić and free agent signee DeAndre Jordan.
Still, a foot in the door is a foot in the door. Go get ’em, Hoff!
