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The NBA campaign starts now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest 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 step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor 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 Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected 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 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

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

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.