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The National Basketball Association campaign begins now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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 intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years 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. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, 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 East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old 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 nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.