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This year's NBA season begins now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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 promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m ($153m) 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 primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he watched as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole takeaway per game higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam 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 opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran remains in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.