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The NBA season tips off now, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, 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 protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills 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 player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one full steal per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal 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 missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies 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 hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

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 workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.