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This year's NBA campaign tips off now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA'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 second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign 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 season, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star 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 student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed 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 contract for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

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

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.