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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 most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks player's career has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in the running for a Indiana lineup 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 selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team 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 summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie 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 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

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran remains in form and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.