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This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including 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

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in 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 problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.