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

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills 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 his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler 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 enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following setback to lead guard 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 selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player 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 resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.