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The NBA campaign starts this week, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation 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 the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. 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 slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics 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.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie 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 Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.