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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, Giddey finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation 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 start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful 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 below league average last year, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date 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 too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.