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The National Basketball Association campaign starts this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

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 Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot 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 youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate 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 left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow 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 earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.