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The NBA season tips off now, signaling the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest hoops stars – 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 nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest sporting income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for playing time around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his rookie extension worth $100m ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and profile as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star enters this season with a point to make.

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 aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defence are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

The guard agreed to the same deal as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole takeaway per game higher than the total of the runner-up.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season 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 below league average last season, and continue to develop his distribution and driving, he could become one of the league’s most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers forward Furphy has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the All-Star slam dunk competition could be a possibility.

After logging just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in the running for a Indiana rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the NBA Draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland selected him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see much court time. But the Sydney product has earned time in exhibition play, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to claim the starting five spot in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will be out for the opening of the campaign after ankle surgery.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular minutes if the team become competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has resulted in him without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a deal for next season, but will not want to allow his teammates at the rebuilding Charlotte too much advantage. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key pre-season opportunities in Dallas.

Aussie Hoopers On the Fringe

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, game action this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video shared on his accounts recently, demonstrating the veteran is still in form and determined on securing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Although he took to Instagram recently to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.