🔗 Share this article

The NBA season begins now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

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

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow 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 earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Although he took to social media recently to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.