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This year's NBA campaign starts this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including veteran centres 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, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his former squad charged 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 shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's trajectory 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 takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker 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 picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the East, 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 NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used 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 come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.