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

Their absence indicates a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the young star begins this year with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and led the league in steals with three per game – over one full takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this campaign as a playmaking option 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 season, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

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

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native dropped in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be rare for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, court time this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on landing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.