🔗 Share this article

The NBA season begins now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe 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.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players 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 win playing time with Proctor 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 workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.