🔗 Share this article

The National Basketball Association season tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.