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This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates 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 huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men 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 Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing 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 team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest 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 contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies 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 veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.