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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including veteran centres 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 Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start 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 consistent action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls 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 with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.