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This year's National Basketball Association season tips off this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, including experienced big men 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

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder 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 less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label 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 playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for 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 see consistent action if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. 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 complaint and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily 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 Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping 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 set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.