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The NBA campaign begins this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's highest sporting earners.

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

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

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 taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game greater 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 Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for 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 year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.