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This year's NBA season tips off this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change 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 the country's highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) 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 reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he watched as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks 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 three per game – over one whole steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies 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 young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.