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This year's NBA campaign tips off this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men 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 lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per game higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate 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 aiming to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.