🔗 Share this article

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

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable 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 young star begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing 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 Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led 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 dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

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

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

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