Those A$150 Million Players Evolving into a Human Highlight Reel

The NBA campaign tips off this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play 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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management 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 start of last campaign, he observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full takeaway per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, 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 Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.