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This year's NBA season begins this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from 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 protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed 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 slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran is still in form and determined on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to social media recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.