🔗 Share this article

This year's NBA season starts this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he watched as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per game higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers 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 prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- 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 A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

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 start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers become 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 procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves 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 alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and focused on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.