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This year's NBA season begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.