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This year's NBA season begins this week, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) 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 reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity 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 Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Although he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.