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This year's NBA campaign begins this week, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels emerge as key starters for contending teams, with recently signed nine-figure contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s top sporting earners.

They aren't the only ones. A group of 14 Aussies are set to compete for minutes around the league, including veteran centres Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to promising draftees like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

Following protracted negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his rookie extension worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four years last month. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for his role and profile as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for the Bulls management to pay top dollar 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 aim to make the playoffs in the less competitive East, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may fall back towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last season, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best defensive specialists, and topped the league in takeaways with 3.0 spg – over one full steal per game greater than the tally of second place.

Performing next to dynamic Trae Young in the Hawks, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a playmaking option and elite defender as long as the Hawks make the playoffs. But if he can elevate his three-point shooting, which was subpar last year, and continue to develop his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the league’s most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward the rookie has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a succession of spectacular slam dunks in pre-season. His athletic displays prompted NBA personality 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.

After playing just eight minutes per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the former Maribyrnong College student is in contention for a Pacers rotation that might lean towards young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the NBA Draft down to the second round, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

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

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could see regular minutes if the Blazers find themselves competitive. His teammate Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist in a reserve role.

In Charlotte, Josh Green’s summer shoulder procedure has resulted in him with no return date to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for next season, but won’t want to give his colleagues at the rebuilding Hornets an excessive head start. And a physical issue has already slowed Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but seems to be primarily a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time with his compatriot for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his accounts over the weekend, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and focused on securing another NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is anyone’s guess after an break in Australia, angling and playing with a football. Although he took to social media last month to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.