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This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per game higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season 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 season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve 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 the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.