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The NBA campaign tips off this week, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's pair of most prominent hoops stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change indicates a changing of the guard, as Australian guard pair Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for contending teams, with new huge contracts establishing them as some of Australia’s highest athletic income generators.

They aren't the only ones. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for playing time around the league, including 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

Following lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, the guard ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons 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 primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to pay top dollar means the young star enters this season with much to prove.

After being moved by the Thunder at the beginning of last campaign, he observed as his old team charged to the title in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will have to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may fall back towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Eyes Another Step

Daniels agreed to the same deal as Giddey this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta player's career has taken off in the city following his departure from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the NBA's best defensive specialists, and topped the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole takeaway per match higher than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster can be successful this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the team advance to the postseason. But if he can elevate his long-range game, which was below league average last season, and keep develop his passing and driving, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward the rookie has burst onto the scene as a crowd favorite in the state following a series of spectacular slam dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics prompted NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a long time”, and an opportunity to the mid-season slam dunk competition could be on the table.

After playing just eight minutes per game over 50 games in his debut season, the former Maribyrnong College player is in contention for a Pacers lineup that might favor young players following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Playmaker the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders Cleveland picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the Finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a first-year player taken in the second round to see much court time. But the Sydney product has seen time in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre 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 a surgical procedure.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team become in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive specialist off the bench.

In Charlotte, Josh Green's summer 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 teammates at the rebuilding Hornets too much head start. And a physical issue has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed important exhibition chances in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Then there are those who are not expected to see a lot of, if any, court time this year. Thirty-eight-year-old Joe Ingles is returned in the Timberwolves, but seems to be little more than a big brother keeping Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be developed by Minnesota Timberwolves through their affiliate team. Other rookies Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the slow cooker, while the experienced Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

If there were any doubts Patty Mills was planning to end his career, he answered them with a workout video posted on his accounts recently, showing the 37-year-old remains sharp and determined on securing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is anyone’s guess after an off-season in his homeland, angling and using with a football. Even though he posted on social media last month to deny rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an elite player as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.