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The National Basketball Association campaign starts now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men 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

After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. 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 the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster 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 elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label 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 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening 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 play regular action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

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 appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League 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 experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.