The National Basketball Association season starts this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.
This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.
But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.
Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth
Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office 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 beginning of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.
Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step
Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor 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 topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per match greater than the total of second place.
Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.
Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation
Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, 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 former college student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.
Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat
Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.
Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group
Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.
In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected 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 player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.
Australian NBA Players On the Fringe
Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.
Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.
Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts
If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on securing one more league deal.
Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.
