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This year's NBA season starts now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full takeaway per match higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic 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 Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.