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The National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office 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 watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full takeaway per match higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action 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 in check.

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 aiming to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.