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The NBA season begins now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, 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

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career 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 – more than one whole steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, 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 improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard 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 the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies 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 win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media last month to deny suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.