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This year's NBA season tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops 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 huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure 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 tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel 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 long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect 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 young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

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