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The National Basketball Association season begins this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

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 sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including 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 Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards 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.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster 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 improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

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

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for 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 see consistent minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark 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 next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players 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 hoping to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess 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 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.