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The NBA campaign starts this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure 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 greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option 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 attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate 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 deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.