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This year's NBA campaign begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians 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 intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

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 Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign 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 subpar last year, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays 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 on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders 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 much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, 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 the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time alongside his compatriot 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 posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.