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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.