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The National Basketball Association campaign begins now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates 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 establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete 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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he watched as his old team stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist 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 the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

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 workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to social media recently to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.