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The NBA campaign starts this week, signaling 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 step up as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons 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 primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per game higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow 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 aiming to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.