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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts now, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable 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 begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

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. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.