🔗 Share this article

This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – 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 effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening 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 consistent minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he took to social media last month to deny suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.