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The NBA season starts this week, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards 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 ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start 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 consistent minutes 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 Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured 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 minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.