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

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from 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

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one full steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted 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 young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline 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 pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves 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 experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts 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 his homeland, angling and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.