The A$150 Million Players Transforming a Highlight Machine

The NBA season tips off now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, 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 protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls 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 slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal 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 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular 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 opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, 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 contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets too much head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.