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This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

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 development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to social media recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.