Torrey Craig‘s journey in professional basketball is marked by unique experiences stretching from Australia‘s National Basketball League (NBL) to the NBA‘s intense environment. In 2017, Craig began his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, notably avoiding typical rookie initiations such as carrying quirky backpacks or having cars filled with popcorn. This was because he entered the league as a more seasoned player, already in his mid-20s, with significant professional experience.
Craig explained,
“I was in a unique situation because I’d already been a pro and I was older in my mid-20s and I also started a few games in my first season.”
This prior experience shielded him from typical rookie hazing, setting him apart from many others entering the NBA straight from college or draft selections.
Building a Strong Foundation in Australia’s Basketball Scene
Before his NBA debut, Craig had already established himself as a prominent figure in the NBL, having played with the Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans. His accolades included an All-NBL Second Team placement and the NBL Defensive Player of the Year award, credentials that provided him a firm professional base before moving to the world‘s top basketball league.
Despite sidestepping rookie pranks, Craig embraced the challenges of professional basketball fully, including enduring the unprecedented NBA bubble during the pandemic. Over an impressive eight-year period, he participated in 458 regular season NBA games across six franchises, featuring stints with iconic teams like the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics.
Playoff Battles and Near Championship Glory
Craig’s playoff résumé includes 80 postseason appearances and an NBA Finals berth with the Phoenix Suns in the 2020-21 season. A significant twist in his career occurred when he was traded mid-season from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Suns in March 2021, only for his former team to face Phoenix in that year’s Finals.
The Suns initially took a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, but the Bucks rallied to win the championship in six games. While Craig missed out on winning the title with Phoenix, he was technically eligible for a ring with Milwaukee due to his earlier contributions during the season.
He remarked,
“I qualified for a championship ring, but there was a process you had to go through to qualify,”
and added,
“I thought we (Phoenix) were going to win being up 2-0 in the Finals over Milwaukee, so I didn’t go through with the process.”
Playing Alongside an NBA MVP Contender
During his time with Denver, Craig had the opportunity to play with Nikola Jokic, a Serbian player rapidly ascending as one of the NBA’s greatest talents and a multiple-time MVP award candidate. Craig enthusiastically praised Jokic’s skill set and character, calling him the best teammate he has ever played with.
He stated,
“Jokic is the best player I’ve played alongside,”
adding,
“He is unguardable, really. He also loves his horses. He is a family guy. He loves his brother, his wife and kid. He loves Serbia.”
Craig admired Jokic’s versatility as a scorer, rebounder, and passer, emphasizing how effortlessly the big man can dominate the game while engaging his teammates.
Facing Off Against NBA Legends and Formidable Opponents
Throughout his NBA career, Craig competed against some of the sport’s elite, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul. Among these greats, one opponent stands out as especially difficult to contain: James Harden during his prime with the Houston Rockets.
Craig explained,
“James Harden when he was in Houston in his prime, he was so hard to guard because you couldn’t touch him and he’d shoot 13 free-throws a game.”
Reflecting on playing against LeBron James, who is known as “King James,” Craig expressed not only respect but a competitive fire, saying,
“I mean, he is one of the greatest players to ever play the game, so it was always an honour to take the floor with guys like that.”
He also highlighted James’ physical gifts and basketball IQ, noting,
“He is definitely one of the tougher players to play against. You have to live with him shooting threes or mid-ranges, but we didn’t want him getting downhill and playmaking for other guys.”
Managing the Rigors of an NBA Season
The NBA’s demanding schedule is widely recognized for its physical and mental toll. Craig described the season as a rigorous grind requiring constant attention to health, training, and recovery.
“The NBA is a different world,”
he said with a smile.
“Everyone wants to be the best, so it’s competitive and sometimes you are playing three games a week.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness and diet amid constant travel, team meetings, and games.
“The season itself is a grind, but it is also a routine and once you get your schedule down pat it is pretty consistent.”
Craig also shed light on the extensive support systems NBA teams provide.
“Every aspect you can think of, the NBA pretty much ticks the box so the players can solely focus on playing basketball,”
he remarked. From nutritionists and personal chefs preparing meals before practice and games to strength trainers monitoring load management and mental health specialists assigned to teams, players receive comprehensive care to optimize performance.
Behind the Scenes: Poker and Card Games on Team Flights
Off the court, NBA players often engage in poker and card games, especially during team charter flights. This tradition dates back to legendary players such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan. Craig has witnessed many high-stakes games himself and recalled his largest pot to date was $90,000.
“But there have been way bigger hands than that,”
he said with a grin, highlighting the competitive nature and camaraderie that exists beyond the court.
Returning Home: Craig’s Ambitions with the Sydney Kings
After years abroad, Craig has returned to Australia to compete in the NBL once again, this time with the Sydney Kings. His goal is clear—to secure a championship with the team and contribute to the league’s growing stature.
Reflecting on how much the league has evolved since his earlier stints, Craig noted,
“There are more eyes on the league now.”
He pointed out that players in the NBA are increasingly aware of the NBL’s rising profile, partly due to the participation of NBA talents like LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey.
“The popularity of the league has grown from when I was last here,”
he said.
“And obviously talent. You’ve got LaMelo Ball who came here and the success of Josh Giddey, so you’ve got real NBA talent coming to play in the NBL. It is nice to see.”
Significance and Future Prospects
Torrey Craig’s career exemplifies the modern basketball journey, bridging continents and leagues while continuously adapting to new challenges. His experience highlights the NBL’s increasing recognition as a competitive league capable of producing and attracting high-caliber talent, enhancing opportunities for players worldwide.
Craig’s return to the Sydney Kings not only strengthens the team’s championship aspirations but also underscores the growing connectivity between Australian basketball and the global game. His insights into the NBA’s demanding environment, coupled with his hope for success at home, position him as both a mentor and competitor eager to leave a lasting impact.
