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The NBA campaign starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes 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 rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays 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.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, 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 NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed 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 player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.