Who Is Nathan Jawai? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on October 10, 1986, Nathan Jawai is currently 38 years old. He hails from the indigenous community in Australia and made headlines for being one of the first Aboriginal Australians to play in the NBA. Nathan's journey began in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) before transitioning to the NBA, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination to excel in the sport.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1986 |
| Age | 39 Years |
| Birth Place | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Nathan Jawai's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Nathan Jawai stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm) and weighs approximately 300 pounds (136 kg). His large stature and athletic build have contributed significantly to his playing style, allowing him to dominate under the basket.
In July 2013, Jawai signed with the Turkish team Galatasaray Liv Hospital. In October 2013, he sustained a traumatic neck injury while playing for Galatasaray. He had long-lasting effects because of the incident and temporarily couldn't see from one eye. He subsequently managed just four total games for Galatasaray in 2013–14.
Despite the circumstances, Jawai re-signed with the club in September 2014. In December 2014, he left Galatasaray and signed with MoraBanc Andorra for the rest of the season.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Nathan Jawai is in a committed relationship. While he has been relatively private about his personal life, his girlfriend is supportive of his career and often seen accompanying him at various events. The couple keeps their relationship mostly out of the spotlight, adding an element of mystery to Jawai's off-court persona.
Born at the Royal Hospital for Women in the Sydney suburb of Paddington on 10 October 1986, Jawai lived in Sydney for a year before his parents, Lynette and Ron, moved back to Bamaga, a small town of about 1000 people, located north of the Jardine River and only 40 km from the tip of Cape York Peninsula.
He is an Indigenous Australian of Torres Strait Islander descent. He is the cousin of NBA basketball player Patty Mills, rugby league NRL players Edrick Lee and Brenko Lee. Jawai's uncle is former Olympian basketballer Danny Morseu, the second Indigenous Australian to represent Australia at the Olympics in basketball.
Jawai's great uncle is Indigenous land rights activist Eddie Mabo.
Net Worth and Salary
Nathan Jawai's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth primarily stems from his successful basketball career, endorsements, and various investments in sports-related ventures. His average salary from playing professional basketball has fluctuated over the years, but it has remained substantial, particularly during his peak playing years.
Career, Business and Investments
Nathan Jawai's basketball career has seen him play for several teams in the NBA and NBL, including the Toronto Raptors and the Townsville Crocodiles. Beyond his on-court achievements, he has ventured into business, recently launching a sports training academy aimed at nurturing young Australian talent. His investments in various community initiatives further highlight his commitment to giving back and helping aspiring athletes reach their potential.
On 17 December 2008, Jawai was cleared to resume training after enduring a worrisome period in which he was not allowed to undergo physical activity. Jawai was required to 'rest', due to a routine pre-season test which revealed a cardiac abnormality.
On 21 January 2009, Jawai made his NBA debut against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills, becoming the first indigenous Australian to play in the NBA.
Social Network
Nathan Jawai actively engages with his fans through social media. You can find him on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his career, personal life, and thoughts on basketball. His follower engagement reflects his popularity and the inspiration he provides to many fans.
Like most children on Cape York, he played rugby league throughout primary school and early high school. However, living in a remote indigenous community meant Jawai was subject to a lot of bad influences and was often getting in trouble due to the stain of drug and alcohol abuse.
Strong parental guidance and the decision to send Jawai to high school at St Augustine's College in Cairns ensured he stayed away from bad influences. At the age of 15, Jawai began playing basketball, and it only took him two years until he began playing competitively for the Cairns Marlins of the Queensland Basketball League in 2004.
He then spent two years at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra before venturing to the United States in 2006 to play college basketball for Midland College. However, after just one season with Midland, Jawai returned to Australia and had surgery to remove the meniscus in his right knee.
With his move back home, he had hopes of joining an NBL club. He subsequently re-joined the Cairns Marlins and helped guide them to a national title in 2007 while earning ACC All-Star Five honours.
Education
Nathan Jawai attended the Australian Institute of Sport, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in professional training and competition. His educational background laid the groundwork for his future success in basketball and business, reinforcing the importance of education in professional sports.
