Australian NBA star Cameron Bairstow says he's ready for a breakout season with the Chicago Bulls that will hopefully continue a growing trend of Aussies taking over the league.
At least two Australian-born players have been involved in the NBA finals in each of the past three seasons but after being restricted to a limited role in his rookie season with the Bulls last year, Bairstow now wants in on the Aussie success.
The return of star point guard Derrick Rose to full health means Chicago are strong contenders for this season's title and opened their campaign with two wins from as many games, including a statement victory against Lebron James' Cleveland Cavaliers on opening night.
And while Bairstow failed to get off the bench in either match, the 24-year-old said he's confident of playing his way into the rotation under new coach Fred Hoiberg following the sacking of Tom Thibodeau.
"I definitely see some of the changes (Hoiberg) has made. He values stretch big men who can make plays," Bairstow told AAP after Wednesday's win over Cleveland.
"It's certainly part of his system and something I'm working towards getting into."
Bairstow, who averaged less than four minutes a game last season, considers himself part of an emerging movement of power forwards that can hit the long ball, including two-time championship-winning teammate Pau Gasol.
"A lot of the NBA is now with stretch big men, so you've got to adapt your game to find a long-term spot in the NBA," he said.
"We've got one of the best frontcourts in the NBA so I know what my role is. Seeing how guys like Pau and (centre Joakhim Noah) approach the game are lessons you can't learn from anywhere else."
Two years ago it was San Antonio Spurs pair Patty Mills and Aaron Baynes that put Australia on the NBA map, with the former playing a major role in their 2013-14 title win over James' Miami Heat.
Last year, Melbourne-born guard Matthew Dellavedova set the NBA finals alight when he was plucked deep from Cleveland's bench to play sidekick to James following his move to the Cavaliers.
Bairstow said he was eager to keep the Australian success rolling this season.
"To see guys like Delly succeeding, it gives you that sense of confidence that you can have similar success," he said.
"It's definitely great to see so many Australians doing so well. Hopefully I can make the most of my opportunities and I can keep that going."
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