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The NBA season starts now, marking the first time in a ten years that Aussie pair of biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

Their absence signals a changing of the guard, as Boomers’ backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as key starters for contending teams, with new huge contracts making them some of the country's highest athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are set to compete for minutes across the NBA, including experienced big men Jock Landale and Duop Reath, up-and-coming forwards in Johnny Furphy and Josh Green, to intriguing rookies like Tyrese Proctor and Rocco Zikarsky.

Josh Giddey Aiming to Show His Worth

After protracted discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately inked his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four years recently. It's a major deal for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is affordable for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. Hesitation for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the young star enters this year with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the beginning of last season, Giddey watched as his old team stormed to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to make the playoffs in the weaker East, he will need to demonstrate his shooting and defence are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the identical contract as his counterpart recently, and after his MIP honor last year, the Atlanta guard’s trajectory 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 – over one whole steal per match higher than the total of second place.

Performing next to flamboyant Trae Young in the Hawks, the youngster 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 below league average last year, and keep enhance his distribution and attacking, he could become one of the association's most well-rounded talents.

Johnny Furphy On Highlight Watch

Pacers wing the rookie has burst onto the scene as a fan favourite in the state following a series of spectacular dunks in exhibition games. His acrobatics led NBA personality Pat Beverley to describe him as the “top Caucasian leaper we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

Following logging just 8 mpg per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college student is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor An Outside Shot

Playmaker the Sydney native dropped in the June draft all the way to the 49th pick, where Eastern Conference contenders the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are front-runners to make the NBA finals from the East, so it would be unusual for a rookie taken in the late picks to see significant playing minutes. But the Sydney product has seen time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting offers him a chance to make an impact.

Minutes Crunch Ahead for Veteran Quintet

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to claim the starting five spot in the Grizzlies given highly-touted Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to young centres Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play regular action if the team find themselves competitive. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely 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 without a timeline to return. The 24-year-old still has a contract for the upcoming year, but won’t want to allow his teammates at the developing Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has been absent for important pre-season opportunities in the Mavericks.

Aussie Hoopers Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is back in the Timberwolves, but appears to be little more than a mentor ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rocco Zikarsky is likely to be nurtured by Minnesota Timberwolves through their G-League team. Fellow first-year players Lachlan Olbrich in the Bulls and Alex Toohey for the Golden State Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the experienced Luke Travers will be aiming to win minutes with Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he addressed it with a workout video posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran remains in form and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an break in Australia, going fishing and using with a football. Although he took to Instagram last month to deny rumors he was retired, the 29-year-old – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has not yet return to the league.