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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

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

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.