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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, including veteran centres 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 protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign 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 season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening 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 play regular action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies 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 aiming to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.