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This year's National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates 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 income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, he watched as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention 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 fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, 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 first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other 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 aiming to earn minutes with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty 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 landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.