The A$150 Million Players Evolving into a Human Highlight Reel

This year's NBA season starts now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from 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

After lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting 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 Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery 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 teammates at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with Proctor 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 training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.