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

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, 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 discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per match higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker 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 rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.