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The NBA campaign begins now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

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

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising 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 new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

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

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening 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 Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, 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 problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

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

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.