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The NBA campaign tips off now, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

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

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup 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 likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with 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 addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still in form and determined on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.