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This year's NBA campaign starts now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, 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 agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic 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 advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start 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 Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies 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 hoping to win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.