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This year's NBA campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, 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 subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players 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 aiming to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran remains in form and focused on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.