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The NBA season starts this week, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings 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 Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role 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 a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per game higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his passing 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 fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former college student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season 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 play regular action if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies 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 playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.