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This year's National Basketball Association season begins now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full steal per match higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he took to social media last month to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.