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This year's NBA campaign tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including 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 negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per match greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other 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 win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

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 posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.