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

The NBA campaign tips off this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

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

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery 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 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 unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies 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 hoping to win minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Even though he took to Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.