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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. 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. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole takeaway per match greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender 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 keep enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team become competitive. 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 surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.