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The National Basketball Association season starts this week, marking the first time in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with new huge contracts making them some of Australia’s top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for the Bulls management to pay top dollar means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, he watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels signed the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks player's trajectory has skyrocketed in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per match higher than the tally of the runner-up.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his passing and driving, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 games in his debut season, the ex- Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might favor youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs 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 playing minutes. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Playing Time Squeeze Ahead for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the team find themselves in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but won’t want to give his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much advantage. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video posted 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 Australia, going fishing and playing with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.