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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts this week, marking the first time 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 Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's career 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 topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start 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 play consistent minutes if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty 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 Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.