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This year's NBA campaign starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks 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 passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure 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 a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes 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 chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and determined on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.