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This year's National Basketball Association season starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. 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 slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole steal per game greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes 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 injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.