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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo 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.

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

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full takeaway per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.