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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – 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 new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies 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 aiming to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran remains in form and determined on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.