🔗 Share this article

This year's National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to show his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.