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This year's NBA season begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

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 rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one full steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student 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

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted 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 chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

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

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed 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 experienced 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 set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran is still in form and focused on securing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.