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This year's NBA season starts now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per match greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.