🔗 Share this article

The NBA season starts now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.