NBA Aussies: Daniels tipped to go next level for Hawks

The 2026-27 NBA season now underway, with 10 Australian players set to feature across nine different franchises.

The build-up has been overshadowed by a devastating injury to Ben Simmons, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just days before his highly anticipated return with the Sacramento Kings.

His absence is another setback for a player who had been working towards a return to the NBA, while also putting a potential pathway back into the Boomers conversation on hold.

But there remains plenty to follow among Australia's NBA contingent, particularly with the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup on the horizon. Here are the Aussies set to be involved in the upcoming NBA season.

JOSH GIDDEY – CHICAGO BULLS

Giddey remains a key part of Chicago’s backcourt, using his playmaking and rebounding to drive the Bulls’ offence. He averaged 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.1 assists across 54 games in 2025-26 and has increased his scoring and assist numbers in each of the previous two campaigns. His ability to create for teammates and contribute across multiple stats makes him an important player for the Bulls as they look to return to playoff contention, with staying healthy also a key focus after missing some time last season.

DYSON DANIELS – ATLANTA HAWKS

Daniels remains a key defensive presence for Atlanta, known for guarding opponents’ best perimeter players and creating turnovers. He averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.0 steals across 76 games in 2025-26, but improving on his career low output of 18.8 per cent three-point shooting will be a key focus in the upcoming campaign. Becoming a greater offensive threat whilst still maintaining his status as one of the best defenders in the league could see Daniels go to another level.

JOCK LANDALE – ATLANTA HAWKS

Landale gives Atlanta a versatile centre who can rebound, finish inside and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. Across 68 games with Memphis and Atlanta in 2025-26, he averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds and was particularly impressive in the backend of the season before his ankle injury. With a lack of centre depth at the Hawks, Landale is set to be the primary backup to Onyeka Okongwu and could potentially see an increase in his minutes as a result.

KYRIE IRVING – DALLAS MAVERICKS

Irving missed the entire 2025-26 campaign after his ACL injury in the previous season but as he prepares to start this year healthy, he will create a formidable duo with Cooper Flagg at the Mavericks. There may be more management of the veteran’s minutes, having failed to play more than 60 regular season games in each of his last six seasons, but having reiterated his interest in representing Australia this month, there will be plenty of interest to see how the 34-year-old fares.

JOSH GREEN – UTAH JAZZ

Green gives Utah a wing who can defend multiple positions and contribute without needing many touches. But despite playing 58 games and averaging 15.7 minutes a game for Charlotte last season, Green might struggle to gain consistent minutes as either a shooting guard or small forward in the 2026-27 season with the Jazz set to opt towards young talent in Ace Bailey and No.2 Draft Pick, Darryn Peterson.

TYRESE PROCTOR – CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Proctor enters his second NBA season looking to secure a regular role in Cleveland’s guard rotation. The former Duke guard offers ball-handling, perimeter shooting and pick-and-roll ability, but looks to remain on the outer as the season begins, earning just eight minutes in the Cavs’ most recent pre-season clash with Orlando. The 22-year-old remains part of Australia’s longer-term Boomers picture as he looks to establish himself at NBA level.

JOHNNY FURPHY – INDIANA PACERS

We won’t expect to see Furphy back on an NBA court until 2027 following his ACL injury back in February this season. Prior to that setback, he started in 21 of 35 games for the Pacers in what was still an injury interrupted period for the 21-year-old. His immediate priority is regaining full fitness before looking to secure a role in the Pacers' rotation, with his development also important for Australia's future Boomers depth.

MATISSE THYBULLE - LA LAKERS

Thybulle was limited to just 30 games for Portland in the 2025-26 season due to a knee injury but will have a fresh start in Los Angeles with the Lakers. His role will depend on matchups, particularly when LA needs someone to guard dangerous perimeter players, but his defensive presence will be important for a franchise that is now building around star Luka Doncic.

ROCCO ZIKARSKY – MINNESTOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Zikarsky is a long-term development prospect for Minnesota, with his height and rim protection offering potential at centre. He didn’t feature in the Timberwolves’ last three preseason games for undisclosed reasons but after playing just five games for the franchise last season, the former Brisbane Bullet has an opportunity to move to a backup centre role behind Rudy Gobert.

DUOP REATH – PHOENIX SUNS

Reath joined the Suns just days ago and looks set to play some consistent minutes at centre for the franchise in the first month of the season following an injury to Mark Williams. He spent all three of his seasons in the NBA with the Portland Trailblazers before he was traded in February to the Hawks and then subsequently waived.