The A$150 Million Players Transforming a Human Highlight Reel

The National Basketball Association season starts now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, 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 pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted 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 youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.