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The NBA season tips off this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate 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 Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season 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 team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate 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 resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.