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This year's National Basketball Association season begins this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are unsigned.

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 huge contracts making them some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from 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 Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old enters this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, he watched as his former squad stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League 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 experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

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 shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.