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This year's NBA season tips off this week, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are without a roster spot.

Their absence signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards 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 Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, 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 enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the identical contract 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 lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign 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 below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth 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 front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition opportunities 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 season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.