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

This year's National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, 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

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed 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 steals with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

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

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series 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 opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow 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 hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.