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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from 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

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole takeaway per match greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to Instagram last month to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.