🔗 Share this article

This year's NBA campaign tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from 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 Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

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

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves 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 win minutes with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.