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The NBA campaign starts now, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest hoops stars – 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 emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from veteran centres 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 lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

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 returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow 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 with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.