Those $150m Men Evolving into a Highlight Machine

This year's NBA season begins now, marking 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 changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole takeaway per match greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful 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 subpar last season, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date 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 a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago 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

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media recently to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.