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The National Basketball Association season starts now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

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

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel 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 while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

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

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls 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 his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.