🔗 Share this article

The National Basketball Association campaign starts now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians 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 rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked 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 second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery 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 developing Hornets too much 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 On the Fringe

Then 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 seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

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 more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.