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This year's NBA season starts now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

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

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play 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 promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full takeaway per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful 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 keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

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

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to social media last month to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.