Those $150m Men Evolving into a Human Highlight Reel

The NBA season tips off this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new 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 around the league, including 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 Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he watched as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per game higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other 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 win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.