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The NBA campaign begins now, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this season with a point to make.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one whole steal per game higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure 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 playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.