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The National Basketball Association campaign tips off this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons last month. 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.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed 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 takeaways with three per game – over one full takeaway per match higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in 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 rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, showing the veteran remains in form and focused on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.