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This year's National Basketball Association season tips off now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, 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 three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays 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 slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA 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 Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

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

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players 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 playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.