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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one whole takeaway per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

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

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening 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 see consistent minutes if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies 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 playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

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 social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to social media recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.