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This year's NBA campaign starts now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up 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. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team 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 defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one full steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran 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 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 regular action if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.