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This year's NBA campaign starts this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball names – 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 contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he observed as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal 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 hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow 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 with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.