🔗 Share this article

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

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity 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 consistent action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow 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 aiming to win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.