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

This change signals a transition period, as Boomers’ backcourt duo 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 highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will have to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with three per game – over one full steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam 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 dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback 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 Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, 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 in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give 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 missed key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players 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 earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his social media recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Although he posted on Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.