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The National Basketball Association season begins now, signaling the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, he watched as his old team charged to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his shooting and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and continue to enhance his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action 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 off-season shoulder procedure has left 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 rebuilding Hornets too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

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 in form and determined on landing one more league deal.

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