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This year's National Basketball Association season tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure 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 around the league, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy discussions with the Bulls, the guard finally signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. 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 campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago aim to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will have to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one full steal per game higher than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and continue to enhance his distribution and driving, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe 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 eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make 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 Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in Minnesota, but appears to be little more than a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media recently to deny suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.