🔗 Share this article

This year's NBA campaign begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he watched as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.