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The National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time around the league, including 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back 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 Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college student is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked 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 late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season 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 regular action if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with 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 workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.