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The NBA season begins this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

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, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. 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 second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a contract 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 slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

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 accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran remains in form and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.