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The NBA season starts now, marking the initial occasion in a ten years that Aussie two most prominent basketball names – Ben Simmons and Patty Mills – are teamless.

This change signals a transition period, as Australian backcourt duo Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels step up as essential players for playoff aspirants, with recently signed huge contracts establishing them as some of the country's top athletic income generators.

But they are not alone. A group of 14 Aussies are expected to play for playing time 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 Aiming to Show His Worth

After lengthy discussions with the Bulls, Giddey ultimately signed his new deal worth US$100 million (A$153 million) over four seasons recently. It’s a huge contract for the Melbourne native, but in league standards it is cheap for Giddey’s position and reputation as a primary ball-handler. The reluctance for Chicago’s front office to offer a max deal means the 23-year-old enters this year with a point to make.

After being moved by Oklahoma City at the start of last campaign, Giddey observed as his old team charged to the NBA championship in his absence. As the Chicago look to make the playoffs in the weaker Eastern Conference, he will need to show his scoring and defensive skills are starter-worthy or else he may slide towards the NBA’s fringe.

Dyson Daniels Targets Further Growth

Daniels signed the same deal as his counterpart this week, and after his most-improved player award last year, the Hawks guard’s career has skyrocketed in the city following his exit from the Pelicans. He is now lauded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, and topped the league in takeaways with three per game – more than one whole steal per game greater than the tally of the runner-up.

Playing next to flamboyant Trae Young in Atlanta, the 22-year-old can be effective this season as a secondary ballhandler and elite defender as long as the Hawks advance to the postseason. But if he can improve his long-range game, which was below league average last year, and keep enhance his passing and attacking, Daniels could become one of the league’s most versatile talents.

Johnny Furphy A Dunking Sensation

Pacers forward Furphy has emerged as a fan favourite in Indiana following a series of highlight-reel slam dunks in exhibition games. His athletic displays led NBA personality Pat Beverley to label him as the “best white dunker we’ve seen in a while”, and an opportunity to the All-Star dunk contest could be on the table.

After logging just eight minutes per game over 50 appearances in his debut season, the ex- college player is in the running for a Pacers lineup that might favor youth following injury to lead guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Proctor A Long-Range Threat

Guard Proctor fell in the June draft all the way to the second round, where playoff hopefuls the Cavaliers picked him. The Cavaliers are favourites to reach the NBA finals from the Eastern Conference, so it would be unusual for a rookie drafted in the second round to see significant court time. But the Australian has earned minutes in pre-season, and his NBA-ready shot gives him a opportunity to contribute.

Playing Time Squeeze Looms for Veteran Quintet

Seasoned big man Jock Landale has a opportunity to secure the starting five position in Memphis given top prospect Zach Edey will miss the opening of the season after ankle surgery.

In Portland, Duop Reath is the veteran backup to young centres 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 deployed as a defensive spark off the bench.

In the Hornets, Josh Green’s off-season shoulder surgery has resulted in him without a timeline to come back. The 24-year-old still has a deal for the upcoming year, but will not want to allow his colleagues at the rebuilding Charlotte too much head start. And injury has already hindered Dante Exum, who has a knee problem and has missed key exhibition opportunities in Dallas.

Australian NBA Players Fighting for Roles

Additionally, there are those who are not expected to see much, if any, game action this year. Veteran Joe Ingles is returned in Minnesota, but seems to be primarily a big brother ensuring Anthony Edwards focused.

Rookie Rocco Zikarsky is expected to be developed by the Wolves through their affiliate team. Fellow rookies Lachlan Olbrich in Chicago and Alex Toohey for the Warriors are also in the development pipeline, while the more seasoned Luke Travers will be hoping to earn playing time alongside Proctor for the Cavaliers.

Ben Simmons and Patty Mills Fish for a Deal

If there were any doubts Mills was planning to end his career, he addressed it with a training clip shared on his social media over the weekend, demonstrating the 37-year-old remains in form and focused on landing another NBA contract.

What Simmons is thinking is uncertain after an break in his homeland, angling and playing with a football. Although he posted on social media last month to reject rumors he was done, the former All-Star – an All Star as recently as 2021 – has yet to return to the league.