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

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons 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 the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per game greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.