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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from experienced big men 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

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.