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This year's National Basketball Association season starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from 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 Chicago Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays 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.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening 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 action if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in 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 teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran remains in form and focused on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media recently to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.