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The National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest 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 essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

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

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

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 returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran remains in form and determined on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.