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The National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, marking the first time in a decade 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 essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, including experienced big men 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 Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged 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 mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.