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This year's National Basketball Association campaign starts now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Aussie pair of most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time around the league, including 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 protracted negotiations with the Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, he watched as his old team stormed to the title in his absence. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team advance to the postseason. 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 league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics prompted 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 slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen minutes in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the Blazers become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to come back. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time 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 shared on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran remains sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a Sherrin. Although he took to social media recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.