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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including 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 Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one full steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

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

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners 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 playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim 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 veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.