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This year's National Basketball Association season begins 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 signals a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for playoff aspirants, with new nine-figure contracts making them some of Australia’s highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes around the league, ranging from veteran centres 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 Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has taken off in Atlanta following his exit from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led 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 dunk contest could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has seen minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given highly-touted Zach Edey will be out for the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the Blazers become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players 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 aiming to earn playing time with Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the veteran remains sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, angling and using with a Sherrin. Although he posted on social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.