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The NBA season begins now, signaling the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, he watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to show his shooting and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following injury to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on landing another league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he posted on Instagram recently to deny suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.