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This year's National Basketball Association season tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension 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 cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure 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 on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media recently to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.