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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie 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 emerge as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, including veteran centres 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 discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back 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 year, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in the city 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 full steal per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.