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The NBA season starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. 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 intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup 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 picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran is still in form and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.