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This year's NBA campaign starts now, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie two 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 key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. 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, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in Memphis 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 youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing another league deal.

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