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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts this week, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians 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 promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, 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 talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

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 Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.