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The National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder 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 less competitive East, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow 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 minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Although he took to social media last month to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.