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This year's NBA season starts now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

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 seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.