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The NBA campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office 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 season, he observed as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing 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 advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, 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 On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign 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 find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow 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 win playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on social media last month to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.