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This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres 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

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam 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 invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

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 Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.