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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts now, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including veteran centres 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, 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 subpar last season, and keep develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, 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 fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

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

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts 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 remains sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.