The new NBL season tips off, with the schedule recalibrated to the normal, pre-pandemic time frame. Here are the key talking points set to shape the title race.
The opening weekend of the 22-23 NBL season has arrived. It snuck up a bit, but nobody’s complaining.
It won’t be easy for the Kings to go back to back, as a number of clubs have bolstered their rosters.
The Only Sports Show | Listen to our newest episode:
South East Melbourne and Tasmania will launch proceedings, followed by a derby battle between reigning champions Sydney and contenders Illawarra.
The addition of a maiden Christmas Day clash between rivals Melbourne United and Sydney breathes new life into the mix too, leaving fans plenty of reasons to get hyped.
Here’s what else everyone should know before tip-off.
COMING UP: Big signings, key storylines, the Next Star, Round 1
The seasons biggest signings
There was a mass signing spree in the off-season and audience-generating big names was on the menu.
The Brisbane Bullets are the headline act, securing the services of 35-year-old sensation Aron Baynes. The Boomer and former NBA champion (San Antonio Spurs, 2013) returns after a scary accident whilst in camp at the Tokyo Olympics last year.
Former Milwaukee Buck Rayjon Tucker joins Melbourne United, bringing next-level experience, athleticism and star factor. The 25-year-old’s arrival is expected to add much-needed cohesion, following the club’s exodus of key contributors that headed to the NBA.
Isaac Humphries, Jordan Caroline and former Hawk Xavier Rathan-Mayes join Tucker in Melbourne, a formidable collection of pieces.
The Wildcats have made waves bringing in Brady Manek, a standout during this year’s NCAA tournament with North Carolina.
Tyler Johnson (Brisbane) and Derrick Walton Jr (Sydney) also bring NBA experience to the League.
And Justin Robinson (Illawarra), Alan Williams (Phoenix), Tim Soares (Kings), Jarrell Brantley (Breakers) and TaShawn Thomas (Wildcats) are the other names to track.
Storylines to watch out for
Aron Baynes
Baynes recently made it back onto the court via the pre-season Blitz tournament. When on national duty in Tokyo, he took a fall in a bathroom and suffered nerve damage. It happened during a break in the Boomers’ match with Italy. There was concern for what it meant for the rest of his career. But one year on, the basketballer is now fresh and recovered as he gears up to make his debut for the Bullets. With a title win not seen since 2007, Baynes return could be the key to help the Bullets see championship success this season.
The newest Next Star
Rayan Rupert is a name that needs to be paid attention to. The only Next Star joining the league is poised to make an impact with the New Zealand Breakers.
The Breakers have form, giving the likes of Osumane Dieng (Oklahoma City) and Hugo Besson (Milwaukee) a bridge to the NBA, both taken in the NBA Draft earlier this year.
Rupert will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of other prominent Next Stars including Josh Giddey and Didi Louzada. The list is growing.
Fresh-faced sides and injury blows
The Breakers, Wildcats and Illawarra all have a fresh look, making new head coaching appointments.
The Kings, United and JackJumpers will all be without key playmakers from their Playoff runs last season.
Then there’s a number of teams who were dealt injury blows before the season even began. United’s Ariel Hukporti is a major out for the entire season, suffering an Achilles during the Blitz.
The Breakers have their own injury worries; captain Tom Abercrombie is out indefinitely with an eye injury, while import Barry Brown and Will McDowell-White are also currently in the casualty ward.
Round one fixture
The season opens with a hot double-header; the Phoenix take on last season’s runner-ups the JackJumpers, then the Kings host the Hawks.
The opening round action continues with United up against the Breakers at John Caine Arena, the Bullets looking to open their account against the Wildcats.
And the JackJumpers’ battle with Cairns at MyState Bank Arena concludes the first week.
