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

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard 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 the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per match greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre 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 ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other 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 aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.