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

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, 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

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap 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 begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, 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 NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening 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 play consistent action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and using with a Sherrin. Even though he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.