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The NBA season begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start 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 play 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 the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.