Those $150m Players Transforming a Highlight Machine

The NBA season tips off this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

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

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked 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 his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

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 competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves 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 aiming to win minutes with Proctor 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 workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.