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The National Basketball Association season starts this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest sporting earners.

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

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one full takeaway per game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player 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 without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition chances 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 season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.