Those $150m Players Evolving into a Human Highlight Reel

This year's NBA season starts now, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball names – 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 playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, 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 Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole takeaway per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. 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 opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss 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 regular action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

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 little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran remains in form and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.