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The National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops 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 key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, including 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

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach 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 Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow 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 pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Although he posted on 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.