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The National Basketball Association campaign tips off now, marking the first time in a ten years that Australia's two biggest basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of the country's highest athletic earners.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, emerging wings in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following lengthy negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is affordable for his role and profile as a lead playmaker. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his former squad charged to the title without him. As the Chicago aim to reach the postseason in the weaker East, he will need to show his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard signed the identical contract as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Atlanta player's trajectory has taken off in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with three per game – over one full takeaway per game greater than the total of second place.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler and defensive stopper as long as the team make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in Indiana following a succession of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season dunk contest could be a possibility.

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

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie taken in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his pro-level shooting offers him a opportunity to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned centre Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the start of the season after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent action if the team find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the developing Charlotte an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition chances in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to win minutes 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, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in his homeland, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to social media last month to reject suggestions he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.