🔗 Share this article

The National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo 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.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time 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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) 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 Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defence are elite-level 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 recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe 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.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual 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 NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago 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 Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.