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This year's NBA season starts this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, including experienced big men 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 negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive 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

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, 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 year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers wing the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure 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 eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.