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The NBA season tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies 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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full takeaway per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June 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 Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies 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 experienced reserve to youthful big men 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 specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow 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 win playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.