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This year's NBA campaign starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from 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 Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally 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 lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy 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 this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow 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 hoping to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media recently, 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 off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.