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The NBA campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a decade that Aussie two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a changing of the guard, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians 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 promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally inked his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four seasons last month. 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. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the beginning of last season, he observed as his former squad stormed to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will have to show his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has taken off in the city following his departure from the New Orleans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with three per game – more than one full steal per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the youngster can be successful this campaign as a playmaking option and defensive stopper as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can improve his three-point shooting, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in Indiana following a succession of highlight-reel dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After logging 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 young players following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker Proctor dropped in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the Finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Experienced Group

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his teammates at the developing Hornets an excessive advantage. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season chances in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this season. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves 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 win playing time alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a workout video shared on his social media recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on landing one more league deal.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media recently to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.