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The NBA season begins this week, signaling the first time in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. 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 Oklahoma City at the beginning of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, 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 agreed to the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – more than one full takeaway per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and keep develop his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the mid-season dunk contest could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and focused on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he took to Instagram recently to reject suggestions he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.