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Free agency starts now: NBL’s top 5 difference-makers

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Preparations for the 2022-23 NBL season have officially started as the free agency period begins with a number of game-breaking players available.

Superstar imports and some of Australia’s best local players are now up for grabs with the free agency period officially open in the NBL.

Someone now ‘off the table’ is South East Melbourne Phoenix star Mitch Creek who recently re-signed with the club for three years.

Let’s take a look at the top five superstars who are all available during the free agency period, whose signatures will make seismic impacts.

1. Jaylen Adams – Sydney Kings

NBL MVP Jaylen Adams is no doubt the Kings No. 1 priority and the best player available during free agency.

Adams dominated the league last season, culminating in the Kings winning the championship.

In an outstanding season, Adams averaged 20.1 points per game, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, while hitting 43% from the field and 40% from three-point territory.

Adams looks destined for the NBA and it will take a big offer from the Kings or another NBL franchise to keep him in Australia.

2. Xavier Cooks – Sydney Kings

If Jaylen Adams is the Kings No.1 priority, then Xavier Cooks is a close second.

Cooks dominated during the Grand Final series against the Tasmania JackJumpers and claimed the Grand Final MVP. He stepped up with Adams injured and unavailable for games two and three to help seal the Kings’ drought-breaking win.

Cooks was a consistent performer for the Kings and was nominated for the Best Defensive Player award. He was also a member of the All-NBL Second Team.

The versatile forward produced some impressive numbers last season and finished with 15.5 points per game, 10.0 rebounds and knocked down 56% from the field.

Like Adams, Cooks looks bound for the NBA and it will be hard for the Kings to keep both on their roster.

3. Antonius Cleveland – Illawarra Hawks 

Antonius Cleveland was the glue that held the Hawks together during the season.

The US import was impressive at both ends of the court and was instrumental for the Hawks as they ended the regular season in second place.

Cleveland made the All-NBL First Team, won the Best Defensive Player award and was the only player in the league to average over one block and one steal per game.

Cleveland formed a dangerous combination with fellow import Tyler Harvey and Hawks fans will be hoping that both players will be back in the Gong next season.

4. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr – Melbourne United

Big man JLA was simply outstanding for Melbourne United as he developed from a bench player to become an MVP finalist.

JLA was a member of the All-NBL First Team and was a constant threat in the paint and dominant off the glass.

The 211cm centre was an offensive threat each game and averaged 16.6 points per game, 8.9 rebounds and shot an impressive 54% from the field.

United will want to lock in JLA early during free agency as he is expected to attract plenty of interest from all over the NBL and overseas clubs.

5. Vic Law – Perth Wildcats

An unfortunate ankle injury ended Vic Law’s season early, and it also ended the Wildcats chances of keeping Australian sport’s longest streak alive – 35 straight trips to the postseason.

Throughout the season, Law was in the frame for MVP honours and was combining brilliantly with superstar Bryce Cotton.

Law made the All-NBL First Team and averaged 20.2 points per game, 1.7 assists, 8.1 rebounds, made 48% from the field and hit 34% from down-town.

The Wildcats will want to get a deal done quickly for Law so they can bring back their Law-Cotton combination and return to the playoffs.

Picture of Joel Martelli
Joel Martelli
The only thing that Joel Martelli loves more than football (seriously, we wouldn't be surprised if he has a Wollongong Wolves tattoo) is writing about all things sports. With a Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies Degree specialising in Journalism, he spends his days uncovering breaking athlete news stories and diving deep into play-by-play strategies. We're glad that he's put his passion to the pages of Only Sports as one of our dedicated sports writers.

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