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The National Basketball Association season begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from 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

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per match greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old 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 three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted 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 play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media recently to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.