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The National Basketball Association campaign begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings 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 Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

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 little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

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 training clip shared on his social media recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.