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This year's National Basketball Association campaign begins now, marking the initial occasion in a decade that Australia's two biggest basketball stars – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

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

But they are not alone. Fourteen Australians are expected to play for minutes across the NBA, ranging from veteran centres 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 Out to Prove Himself

After lengthy negotiations with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey finally signed his new deal worth $100m (A$153 million) over four seasons last month. It's a major deal for the Melburnian, 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 23-year-old begins this season with much to prove.

Having been traded by the Thunder at the start of last season, he observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Bulls look to reach the postseason in the less competitive Eastern Conference, he will have to demonstrate his scoring and defensive skills are elite-level or else he may slide towards the league's outskirts.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

The guard agreed to the same deal as Giddey recently, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Atlanta guard’s career has skyrocketed in Atlanta following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now praised as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders, and led the league in steals with 3.0 spg – more than one whole steal per game greater than the total of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be successful this campaign as a secondary ballhandler 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 keep enhance his distribution and attacking, Daniels could become one of the association's most versatile players.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Indiana forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in the state following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in pre-season. His acrobatics led league figure Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an invite to the All-Star dunk contest could be a possibility.

After playing just 8 mpg per contest over 50 appearances in his rookie campaign, the ex- college player is in contention for a Indiana lineup that might lean towards youth following setback to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard the Sydney native fell in the June draft down to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers selected him. The Cavs are front-runners to make the Finals from the East, so it would be rare for a rookie drafted in the second round to see much playing minutes. But the Australian has earned time in exhibition play, and his pro-level shooting gives him a chance to contribute.

Minutes Crunch Looms for Experienced Group

Veteran centre Jock Landale has a chance to secure the starting centre position in the Grizzlies given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the campaign after a surgical procedure.

In the Trail Blazers, Duop Reath is the experienced reserve to youthful big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, but could play consistent minutes if the Blazers find themselves in the hunt. His fellow player Matisse Thybulle is likely to be used as a defensive spark in a reserve role.

In the Hornets, Josh Green's off-season shoulder procedure has left him with no return date to come back. The player still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to give his teammates at the developing Hornets too much advantage. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee complaint and has missed important exhibition chances 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 the Timberwolves, but appears to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards in check.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be nurtured by the Wolves through their G-League team. Other rookies 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 aiming to earn minutes alongside Proctor for the Cavs.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Seeking Contracts

Should anyone question Patty Mills was set to retire, he answered them with a training clip posted on his accounts over the weekend, showing the veteran is still sharp and determined on landing one more NBA contract.

Simmons' intentions is uncertain after an off-season in Australia, going fishing and playing with a Sherrin. Even though he posted on Instagram recently to reject rumors he was retired, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to surface.