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The NBA campaign begins this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie pair of most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, 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 top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. 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.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.