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This year's NBA season starts now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening 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 regular action if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured 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 development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time alongside 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 accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.