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The NBA campaign tips off now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

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

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season 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 action if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.