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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.

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

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard 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 league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters 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 weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory 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 topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks 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 well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position 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 consistent minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, 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 will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.