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The National Basketball Association campaign starts now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies 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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in the city 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 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 team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, Daniels 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 fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe 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 on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in contention 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 all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season 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 minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure 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 Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.