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This year's NBA campaign tips off this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, 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 players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected 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 much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie 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 Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.