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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

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

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper 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 continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper 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 games in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position 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 see regular minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other 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 aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.