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

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from 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 lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning 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 less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season 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 below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and determined on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.