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The National Basketball Association season begins this week, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of biggest hoops 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 key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete 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 draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls 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 league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. 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 whole steal per game greater than the total of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign 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 find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.