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The National Basketball Association season starts now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

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

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need 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 same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor 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 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow 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 aiming to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.