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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he observed as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city 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 steals with three per game – more than one whole steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster 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 elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

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 developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.