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This year's National Basketball Association season starts now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city 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 steals with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, Daniels 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 slam dunks in exhibition games. 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 slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA 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 unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed 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 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Even though he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.