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The NBA campaign begins this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

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

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per game higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

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

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, 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 the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.