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The NBA campaign begins now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. 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 intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back 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 Hawks player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see much court time. 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 Veteran Quintet

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 start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran remains sharp and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.