🔗 Share this article

This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins now, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

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

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.