The $150m Players Evolving into a Highlight Machine
The National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball 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 recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.
They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies 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 promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.
Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth
After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.
After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.
Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth
Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.
Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.
Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch
Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.
After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot
Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.
Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet
Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign 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 action if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.
In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.
Australian NBA Players On the Fringe
Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.
Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.
Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts
If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing another NBA contract.
Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to social media recently to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.