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This year's NBA season begins now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he observed as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's trajectory 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 steals with three per game – over one full takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies 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 hoping to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.