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The NBA campaign starts this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League 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 aiming to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran remains sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.