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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts this week, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies 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 seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular 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 opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.