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The NBA campaign begins now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

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 rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted 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 on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time 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 secure the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

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

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season chances 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 Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

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 social media recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.