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The National Basketball Association season tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery 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 teammates at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls 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 Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.