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This year's NBA campaign starts this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings 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 Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster 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 elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to social media last month to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.