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The NBA campaign starts now, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Australia's pair of most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a transition period, as Boomers’ guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's top sporting earners.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time across the NBA, ranging from experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

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

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, Giddey watched as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory has taken off in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – over one whole steal per match greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be effective this season 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 keep develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Indiana wing Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Guard Proctor dropped in the June draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavs are favourites to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting centre position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to return. The player still has a contract for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has been absent for important exhibition opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players On the Fringe

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

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies 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 hoping to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, showing the 37-year-old is still in form and focused on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on Instagram last month to reject suggestions he was done, the 29-year-old – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.