Those A$150 Million Players Evolving into a Highlight Machine

This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from 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 Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) 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 reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign 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 minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.