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The NBA season tips off this week, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city 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 match higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers 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 back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.