🔗 Share this article

This year's National Basketball Association season begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie two most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies 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 promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign 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 below league average last season, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel 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 while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

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

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the 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 Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.