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This year's NBA season starts now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. 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 young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per game greater than the total of second place.

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

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, 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 posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.