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The NBA campaign starts this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic earners.

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, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way 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 rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, 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 returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media recently to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.