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The NBA campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from 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 lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey 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 league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure 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 on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers 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 down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, 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 earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.