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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze 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 season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players 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 primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win 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 workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.