The $150m Players Evolving into a Highlight Machine
The NBA season tips off now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.
Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.
They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time around the league, including veteran centres 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 Out to Prove Himself
Following lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.
After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he watched as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.
Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step
Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per game higher than the total of second place.
Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.
Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation
Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.
Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot
Playmaker Proctor dropped 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 East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.
Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group
Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening 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 regular minutes if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.
In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.
Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles
Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.
Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies 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 hoping to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.
Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal
If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.
What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.
