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This year's NBA season tips off this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, 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

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

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

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.