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The National Basketball Association season tips off this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable 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.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per game higher than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, 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 subpar last year, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label 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 playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies 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 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 shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media last month to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.