The $150m Men Transforming a Highlight Machine

The NBA campaign begins now, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, 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 Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the 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 earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect 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 play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. 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 with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies 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 hoping to earn minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.