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The National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure 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 playing time 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 protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off 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 steals with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former college student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June 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 Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with his compatriot 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 focused on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing 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.