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This year's National Basketball Association season tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters 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 across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in Memphis 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 youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in 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 rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win 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 addressed it with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.