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The National Basketball Association campaign begins now, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

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 pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start 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 in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

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 the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

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 shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.