Those $150m Men Evolving into a Human Highlight Reel

The NBA season starts this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks 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 – over one full takeaway per match greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted 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 play regular action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.