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The National Basketball Association campaign starts this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label 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 a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes with Proctor 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 training clip shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though 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 not yet surface.