The $150m Men Transforming a Human Highlight Reel

This year's NBA season tips off now, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, he watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level 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 season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure 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 rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

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

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he took to social media last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.