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This year's NBA campaign begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent hoops 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 recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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 discussions with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.