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This year's National Basketball Association season begins this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from 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 protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he watched as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with three per game – more than one full takeaway per match higher than the tally of second place.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow 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 aiming to win minutes with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to Instagram last month to reject rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.