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The National Basketball Association campaign begins now, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie 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 “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites 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 playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.