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The NBA season tips off this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, 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 playing time across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth $100m (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 reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta 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 – over one whole takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label 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 a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland 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 significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed 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 minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he took to social media recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.