🔗 Share this article

The National Basketball Association campaign starts now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. 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 yet to return to the league.