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This year's NBA campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per game higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper 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 develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.