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The NBA campaign begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per game higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option 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 enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity 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 highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive 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.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.