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The National Basketball Association season starts now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time 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

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular 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 slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season 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 competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the 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 Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Even though he took to social media last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.