🔗 Share this article

The NBA season tips off this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers 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 Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.