🔗 Share this article

This year's NBA season tips off now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, 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 year, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, 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 will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.