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This year's National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, signaling the first time in a decade that Aussie two most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates 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 establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for playing time around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four seasons recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his shooting and defence are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit 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 full steal per match greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former college student is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the late picks to see much court time. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a chance to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting centre spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be aiming to earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his social media recently, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and determined on landing another league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.