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This year's National Basketball Association season begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.