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This year's NBA campaign starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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 rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player'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 steals with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler 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 distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted 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 dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season 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 action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.