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This year's NBA season tips off now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres 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 protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft all the way 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 rookie drafted in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, 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 little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.