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The NBA campaign tips off this week, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two most prominent hoops names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts making them some of the country's highest sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres 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

Following lengthy discussions with the Chicago Bulls, the guard finally inked his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and reputation as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old begins this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the title in his absence. As the Bulls aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need 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

Daniels agreed to the identical contract as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last year, the Hawks guard’s trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and led the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full takeaway per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be effective this season as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former college player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent action if the team become competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer shoulder surgery has left him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for key exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are unlikely to see much, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the 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

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his social media recently, showing the 37-year-old is still sharp and determined on securing one more NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and playing with a football. Although he took to social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.