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The National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest basketball 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 huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including 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 Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per game higher than the total of second place.

Performing 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 make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular 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 while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players 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 earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.