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The National Basketball Association campaign starts now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards 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 rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted 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 logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

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 securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.