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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

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, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he observed as his old team stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker Eastern Conference, 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

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per game higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant 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 elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

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

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

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 competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured 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 with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still sharp and focused on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.