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The NBA season starts this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two biggest hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defence 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 most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per game higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. 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 league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might lean towards young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites 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 significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

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

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 team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves 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 playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and using with a football. Even though he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.