🔗 Share this article

The National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including 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 Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks 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 driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker 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 selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.