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The National Basketball Association campaign starts this week, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster 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 three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

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

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.