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This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies 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

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago 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 slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one full steal per match greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label 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.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become in the hunt. 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 come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed 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 experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. 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 surface.