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The NBA campaign starts this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, including 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 Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) 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 primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals 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 the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for 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 minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure 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 developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

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 seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players 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 Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.