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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five 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 veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

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

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.