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This year's NBA campaign starts now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality 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 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.