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The National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top 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, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected 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 playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

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

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, 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 seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.