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This year's NBA season tips off this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.