🔗 Share this article

This year's National Basketball Association season tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

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

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie 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 development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.