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The NBA campaign starts this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic 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 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

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full takeaway per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare 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 chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.