🔗 Share this article

This year's National Basketball Association season begins this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full takeaway per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with 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 training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.