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The National Basketball Association season tips off this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres 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 lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession 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 while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

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

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies 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 earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.