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The NBA campaign starts this week, marking the initial occasion 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 guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels 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 slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led 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 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to Instagram last month to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.