The A$150 Million Players Transforming a Highlight Machine

The National Basketball Association season starts this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

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

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. 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 full takeaway per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players 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 back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls 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 alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.