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This year's NBA campaign tips off this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position 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 season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely 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.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.