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The NBA season starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's 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 Australia’s top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. 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 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 rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. 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 enters this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's trajectory 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 topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label 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.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity 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 Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent 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 the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed 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 back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls 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 his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.