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This year's NBA campaign begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta 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 whole steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

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 over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Although he posted on social media last month to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.