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The National Basketball Association season begins this week, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

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

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg 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 young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left 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 developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.