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This year's NBA campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable 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 much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. 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 full takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays 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 slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

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 in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

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 social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.