Those $150m Players Transforming a Highlight Machine

The NBA campaign begins now, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates 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 the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his old team stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

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

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left 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 colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.