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The National Basketball Association campaign starts now, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play 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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the Blazers become competitive. 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 left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances 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 season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

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 accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

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 recently to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.