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The National Basketball Association campaign starts now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies 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 promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing 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 improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile 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 highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.