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The National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.