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The NBA season begins now, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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 lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA 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 earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season 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 action if the Blazers 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 resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on securing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media recently to deny suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.