🔗 Share this article

The National Basketball Association season tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres 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

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label 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.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned 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 chance to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players 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 win playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran is still in form and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Even though he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.