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The National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, 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 offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key 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 year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he took to 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.