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The National Basketball Association season tips off 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 indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

Having been traded 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 look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing 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 team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last season, and keep develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest 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 A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls 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 alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.