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This year's National Basketball Association season begins this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of biggest 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 new huge contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic earners.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies 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 intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Out to Prove Himself

After protracted negotiations with the Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million ($153m) over four years last month. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in NBA terms it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a lead playmaker. The reluctance for the Bulls management to offer a max deal means the young star begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last campaign, Giddey watched as his former squad stormed to the NBA championship without him. As the Chicago look to reach the postseason in the less competitive East, he will need to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his MIP honor last season, the Hawks player's career 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 steals with three per game – over one whole takeaway per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to dynamic Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old 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 three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his passing and attacking, he could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a long time”, and an invite to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- Maribyrnong College student is in the running for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards youth following setback to star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the 49th pick, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavs are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player drafted in the second round to see much court time. But the Australian has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot offers him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Veteran Quintet

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

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the team become in the hunt. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is expected to be deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him without a timeline to return. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And injury has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed key pre-season chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this season. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a mentor keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago 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 minutes alongside his compatriot for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, demonstrating the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing one more league deal.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Although he posted on social media last month to reject suggestions he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet surface.