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This year's National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. 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

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract 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 pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe 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.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

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

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure 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 allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.