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This year's National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the initial occasion 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 step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men 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

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

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 start 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 see consistent minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.