Giddey’s improved three-point shooting and his stronger frame have stood out but, most of all, his Bulls are winning matches, which inturn is shining light on his individual form.
“They’re both great young men who represent Australia in a way that I’m proud of,” Longley said at the launch of Amazon Prime’s NBA coverage in October. Amazon Prime will broadcast 67 games a season as part of a new 11-year global deal.
“They play the right way. They play for their teammates, they play defence, they’re not selfish. They play hard and hit hard. I think they’re well-built for the challenge, both of them.”
Although there was speculation questioning if the Australian pair would be able to handle the spotlight attached to their lucrative contracts, Longley – who won three NBA titles with Jordan’s Bulls – said that pressure wouldn’t be a problem.
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“Do you think that salary makes a big difference to how much pressure you feel on the court?” Longley asked.
“Because I never felt that. I feel like pressure comes from not wanting to let your teammates down, trying to win games and trying to get to the playoffs.
“Maybe I’m naive, but I feel like the pay packet happens, and then you shut the door on that and go about trying to be a good basketballer.
“Both those guys are in teams that are trying to establish themselves and get into a championship window, so they’ll be feeling fully engaged in that. I’d like to hope that making a bit more money doesn’t change that.”
Proctor, Furphy ready for more
This season could also see several Australian recruits rise into regular minutes, Cleveland rookie Tyrese Proctor and Indiana’s Johnny Furphy among them after impressing during preseason.
They are among the 14 Australians on NBA rosters.
Cleveland rookie Tyrese Proctor fires off a three-point shot.Credit: Getty Images
“I’m really excited for Tyrese as he went off the radar for a little while there, but he’s obviously found his game again,” Longley said.
“People have seen his value, and he’s with a franchise who knows how to win. It’s a great opportunity, and he seems the kind of young man who will seize it.”
Furphy threw down powerful dunks in preseason, and could move up the Paces’ rotation.
Indiana Pacers’ Johnny Furphy dunks on Oklahoma City Thunder’s Malevy Leons.Credit: Getty Images
Furphy is a Melbourne-raised player who bloomed late, so isn’t well-known at local level.
“In all candour, I haven’t seen that much of him,” Longley admitted.
“Someone showed me one of his dunks. I did not know he had that in his passage. But I know the coaches who have been around him loved him, loved that he works hard.
“Bounce is a weapon. He’d look great in green and gold wouldn’t he?”
Australian basketball greats Lauren Jackson and Luc Longley at the launch of Amazon Prime’s NBA and WNBA coverage.Credit: Scott Ehler
Ben Simmons and Patty Mills remain free agents. Although, there is no indication either will play this season, Longley hasn’t given up hope.
“I’d be surprised if Ben doesn’t get another look,” Longley said. “Maybe’s he’s waiting for the right opportunity, for a team in the championship window, but I don’t have any intimate knowledge.
“Same with Patty. If I was him, I’d be waiting until mid-season to see who needs someone who can shoot with veteran experience and was making a title run.”
Big futures for Toohey, Rocco and the Boomers
Longley knows rookie Alex Toohey well from their time together at the Sydney Kings. But Toohey is now at Golden State, learning from NBA legends Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
“I’ve spoken with Alex and he’s having a ball,” Longley said.
“Golden State has a deep, deep culture, and my mate Steve [Kerr] as coach. He’s absolutely loving it. It’s exciting for a young man to be immersed in that.
“Rocco Zikarsky has the other end of that, he’s in a franchise trying to find its first window of deep competitiveness, and he’s got some great stars around him. I love the landing spots for both those guys.”
The likes of Furphy and Daniels bring an athleticism to the Boomers that the team has rarely had before, although Longley feigned insult at suggestions the likes of Andrew Gaze or himself weren’t athletic players.
Minnesota centre Rocco Zikarsky drives against Philadelphia’s Andre Drummond during NBA preseason games.Credit: Getty Images
Giddey, Daniels and the up-and-comers could form a strong core for the 2027 FIBA World Cup and, hopefully, Los Angeles 2028.
“The Boomers have a lot of weapons at their disposal,” Longley said. “This generation is a little similar to the generation that went from Andrew Gaze to myself. Their ages are fairly similar, and they are playing in the NBA at the same time together.
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“I think [Boomers coach] Adam Caporn has a lot of choices to make.”
With AP, AAP
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