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This year's National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new huge 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, ranging from 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per game higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

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

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran is still sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.