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The NBA campaign starts now, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed 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 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 young star enters this year with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. 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 steal per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a playmaking option 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 continue to develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a series of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college student is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The player still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season 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. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the veteran is still sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.