Those $150m Players Evolving into a Highlight Machine

This year's NBA season starts this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics 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 dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues 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 exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he posted on social media recently to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.