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The NBA season starts this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season 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 continue to enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays 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 dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.