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This year's National Basketball Association season tips off now, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

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

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

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

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes with Proctor 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 shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.