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This year's NBA campaign begins this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons 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. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely 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 come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.