Those $150m Players Transforming a Highlight Machine

The NBA season tips off now, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal 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 begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, 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 Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.