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This year's NBA season tips off this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards 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 new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal 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 perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per game higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular 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 invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.