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The National Basketball Association season tips off now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, including experienced big men 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 discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melburnian, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per match higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his passing and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned 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 Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then 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 primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a workout video shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny rumors he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.