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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two most prominent basketball 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 playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, 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 Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) 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. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason 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 league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected 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 big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.