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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres 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 negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe 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.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start 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 play consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist 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 the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie 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 Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.