The $150m Players Evolving into a Highlight Machine
The National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.
Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players 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 minutes around the league, including 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
Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile 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 charged to the title without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.
Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth
The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full takeaway per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.
Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.
Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch
Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.
After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.
Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat
Playmaker the Sydney native dropped 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 make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.
Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet
Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.
In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player 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 with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.
Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles
Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.
Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow 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 earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.
Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal
Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.
Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.
