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This year's National Basketball Association season tips off this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent hoops 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 establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s career 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 takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season 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 become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already hindered 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 much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time 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 posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.