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The NBA campaign tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

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

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

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 find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players 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 earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he took to social media last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.