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

The National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. 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 game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, 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 emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran is still in form and determined on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.