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This year's NBA campaign begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

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

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. 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 full steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players 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 hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.