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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians 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 intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations 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 NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago 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 with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.