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

This year's NBA campaign begins now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes alongside his compatriot 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 training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.