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This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins now, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball 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 emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks 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 contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

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

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate 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 aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor 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 shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.