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This year's NBA campaign tips off this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie two most prominent basketball 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 key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal 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 former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition 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 rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.