Analysis: Ins, Outs and Depth Charts (July 27)

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

As we approach the end of July, let’s take a glance at where each roster sits at this point of the off-season.

The views on this page are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBL, its Clubs or partners.

By Liam Santamaria

With the NBL23 schedule announced earlier this week, excitement is building about the upcoming season.

We’re now only two months from opening night and with the NBA Summer League in the books, teams across the league are currently putting pen to paper with key additions to their rosters.

Cairns, South East Melbourne and Sydney have all announced import signings in recent weeks, while Perth and New Zealand both revealed new imports over the past couple of days.

So, as we approach the end of July, let’s take a glance at where each roster sits at this point of the off-season.

* Restricted player (import) | (NS) 'Next Stars’ player | (DP) Development player | (SRP) Special restricted player | (IP) Player signed under Indigenous Player Rule

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Head Coach: CJ Bruton

Returning: Mitch McCarron, Daniel Johnson, Sunday Dech, Hyrum Harris, Kai Sotto (SRP), Nick Marshall (DP)
New: Robert Franks (Brisbane Bullets), Antonius Cleveland (Illawarra Hawks), Anthony Drmic (Brisbane Bullets), Kyrin Galloway (New Zealand Breakers)
Departing: Isaac Humphries (Melbourne United)
Free Agents: Dusty Hannahs*, Todd Withers*, Cam Bairstow, Tad Dufelmeier Jnr, Mojave King (NS), Emmanuel Malou, Zac Gattorna, Lachlan Olbrich

Need: An import guard and another local big.

Notes: The 36ers published a fascinating article on their website last week in which they highlighted a series of players whom they stated are “…in the mix to fill the Sixers’ last import and local spot.” Those players included local bigs Cam Bairstow, Duop Reath, Aron Baynes and Mangok Mathiang, as well as former NBL imports Travis Trice, Josh Adams and Scotty Hopson. I tell you what: if they can complete their roster with two guys from that list, they will have done very, very well.

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Head Coach: James Duncan

Returning: Nathan Sobey, Jason Cadee, Tyrell Harrison, Tanner Krebs
New: Kody Stattmann (University of Virginia), Harry Froling (Illawarra Hawks), DJ Mitchell (Basketball Academie Limburg, Netherlands), Gorjak Gak (CEZ Nymburk, Czech Republic), Lual Diing (DP), Aron Baynes (Toronto Raptors)
Departing: Robert Franks* (Adelaide 36ers), Anthony Drmic (Adelaide 36ers), Deng Deng (Illawarra Hawks), Chuanxing Liu (Bay Area Dragons, Hong Kong), Tom Digbeu (NS)
Free Agents: Lamar Patterson*, Isaiah Moss*, Jack Salt, Tamuri Wigness, Taane Samuel, Max Mackinnon, Harry Rouhliadeff

Need: Imports to play point guard, small forward and power forward.

Notes: The latest word out of Brisbane is that the Bullets are deep in negotiations with a couple of targets, as they look to add a guard to play alongside Nathan Sobey and a big body on the interior. All things going well, one or both of those deals could be finalised by the end of the week.

In terms of their depth chart, I’m listing Tyrell Harrison as a starter for now but, considering one of those aforementioned targets is a centre, that could shift at any moment.

As for Tom Digbeu, the Bullets have been awfully quiet about last season’s Next Star. That said, considering they haven’t listed him as part of their 2022-23 roster in any of their recent releases, it appears he’s moving on.

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Head Coach: Adam Forde

Returning: Tahjere McCall*, Majok Deng, Mirko Djeric, Bul Kuol, Keanu Pinder, Ben Ayre
New: DJ Hogg* (Cholet Basket, France), Sam Waardenburg (University of Miami), Lay Mayen (University of Nebraska), Jonah Antonio (BK NH Ostrava, Czech Republic)
Departing: Scott Machado* (Hapoel Eilat, Israel), Kouat Noi (Sydney Kings), Stephen Zimmerman*, Nate Jawai, Jarrod Kenny, Jordan Ngatai, Marshall Nelson, Robbie Heath
Free Agents: Brayden Inger (DP)

Need: An import point guard.

Notes: Emiliano Carchia from Sportando reported two weeks ago that import point guard Shannon Scott was “nearing a deal” with the Taipans but, at this stage, there’s been no official confirmation from the club.

As for their depth chart, I’m listing Pinder as the back-up five here, but there’s every chance Forde mixes up his lineup to have both Hogg and Pinder out there to begin games. Waardenburg will start, we know that, and Forde will want to reward Bul Kuol after his outstanding rookie campaign. Either way, while this squad definitely lacks experience, it’s loaded with shooting and positional versatility.

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Head Coach: Jacob Jackomas

Returning: Tyler Harvey*, Sam Froling, Akoldah Gak, Alex Mudronja, Dan Grida, Lachlan Dent (DP)
New: Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (Sydney Kings), Deng Deng (Brisbane Bullets)
Departing: Brian Goorjian (Bay Area Dragons, Hong Kong), Harry Froling (Brisbane Bullets), Antonius Cleveland* (Adelaide 36ers), Justinian Jessup (Zaragoza, Spain)
Free Agents: Duop Reath, Xavier Rathan-Mayes*, Tim Coenraad, Emmet Naar, AJ Ogilvy, Isaac White

Need: An import guard and a replacement for Reath.

Notes: The Hawks have been in something of a holding pattern recently as they’ve been waiting on word from Duop Reath about his plans moving forward. The versatile big man was great for Illawarra last season, averaging 15 points and seven rebounds per game, but my understanding is that his return is now highly unlikely, as he appears headed to China.

One guy to potentially keep an eye on here, though, is Thon Maker. The former NBA big man was a standout for the Boomers at the Asia Cup and has been eyeing the NBL as a possible landing spot for the upcoming season. Naturally, there have been numerous clubs holding discussions with Maker and his reps recently, but my understanding is that talks with the Hawks, in particular, have been progressing positively.

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Head Coach: Dean Vickerman

Returning: Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Mason Peatling, Ariel Hukporti (NS), Brad Newley, David Okwera, Zac Triplett (DP)
New: Isaac Humphries (Adelaide 36ers), Makuach Maluach (Kouvot, Finland/Darwin Salties, NBL1), Joshua Duach (DP) (University of Iona)
Departing: Jack White (Denver Nuggets, NBA), Jo Lual Acuil, Caleb Agada* (Prometey, Ukraine)
Free agents: Yudai Baba (SRP), David Barlow, Dion Prewster, Callum Dalton, Will Hickey

Need: An import wing, a replacement for Jack White and a back-up plan in case Delly also departs.

Notes: There have been plenty of moving pieces within Melbourne’s roster lately as last year’s semi-finalists deal with key players moving on. The departures of Jo Lual-Acuil and Jack White left big holes in United’s frontcourt, leading to the signing of Isaac Humphries, while the possibility that Matthew Dellavedova could return to the NBA provides another problem that may need to be solved.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are thrilled to announce the signing of former NBA big man & NBL Rookie of the Year, <a href="https://twitter.com/IsaacHumphries7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsaacHumphries7</a>, for the 2022-23 season.<br><br>Join us in welcoming Isaac to the United family!<br><br>Full story: <a href="https://t.co/1fMj25vI1l">https://t.co/1fMj25vI1l</a> <a href="https://t.co/0nlVw4mpaz">pic.twitter.com/0nlVw4mpaz</a></p>— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbUnited/status/1550307151721406465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking on his club’s website this week, head coach Dean Vickerman preached patience as the key to successfully finalising their roster.

“In the past we’ve found that some of the NBL’s most impactful imports are guys who have the ability to challenge for the final spot on an NBA roster,” Vickerman said.

“We’re just taking our time to make sure whoever we sign will bring that elite skill level to out group.”

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Head Coach: Mody Maor

Returning: Tom Abercrombie, Rob Loe, Sam Timmins, Will McDowell-White,
New: Jarell Brantley* (Leones de Ponce, France), Dererk Pardon* (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Rayan Rupert (NS) (CFBB, France), Izayah Le’afa (South East Melbourne Phoenix), Dan Fotu (Saint Mary’s College, USA), Tom Vodanovich (Sydney Kings), Cam Gliddon (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
Departing: Dan Shamir, Finn Delany (Baskets Bonn, Germany), Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA), Yanni Wetzell (Alba Berlin, Germany), Hugo Besson* (Milwaukee Bucks), Kyrin Galloway (Adelaide 36ers)
Free Agents: Peyton Siva*, Chasson Randle*, Rasmus Bach, Isaac Davidson, Geremy McKay, Sam Short

Need: An import wing and a DP signing that provides depth at PG.

Notes: The Breakers unveiled a quality import signing this week when they announced former Utah Jazz forward Jarell Brantley had put pen to paper. Brantley, who started for the LA Clippers at this month’s NBA Summer League, has the tools to be a highly productive NBL player, with his versatile offensive skillset and his ability to impact the game defensively.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">IMPORT-ant news, Jarrell Brantley has signed with the Sky Sport Breakers ? <a href="https://t.co/qhs7AzQ4x9">pic.twitter.com/qhs7AzQ4x9</a></p>— Sky Sport New Zealand Breakers (@NZBreakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/NZBreakers/status/1552020936911618048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The next step for the Breakers is to lock in their import wing, a signing that will finalise their full-contracted roster.

In terms of their depth chart, the reality is that McDowell-White will play heavy minutes at the one, while others, like Brantley and Rupert, can also slide up and down the lineup.

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Head Coach: John Rillie

Returning: Bryce Cotton*, Mitch Norton, Todd Blanchfield, Luke Travers, Jesse Wagstaff, Corey Shervill, Majok Majok, Kyle Zunic, Oliver Hayes-Brown (DP)
New: TaShawn Thomas* (Le Mans, France), Corey Webster (Al Ittihad, Egypt)
Departing: Vic Law* (Chiba Jets, Japan)
Free Agents: Michael Frazier*, Matt Hodgson, Kevin White, Jack Purchase

Need: Another import big.

Notes: The Wildcats announced import big man TaShawn Thomas as their most recent signing, giving them flexibility with how they approach the final piece to their puzzle.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I’ll bring a lot of energy to this team and I think the fans will see a guy who will do anything to help his team win."<br><br>Welcome to the Wildcats, TaShawn! <a href="https://t.co/jT7m1DsueB">pic.twitter.com/jT7m1DsueB</a></p>— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats/status/1551745348489875456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At 6-foot-8, Thomas has the ball-handling and passing skills to play plenty of minutes at the four, but also the strength and defensive versatility to hold it down at the five. As a result, the ’Cats can go a couple of different directions with their final import signing.

One guy who won’t be filling that position, sadly, is All-NBL First Team forward Vic Law. According to Sportando, Law has “agreed to terms with the Chiba Jets in Japan” for the upcoming season.

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Head Coach: Simon Mitchell

Returning: Mitch Creek, Ryan Broekhoff, Kyle Adnam, Dane Pineau, Reuben Te Rangi, Owen Foxwell (DP)
New: Gary Browne* (Petkim Spor, Turkey), Trey Kell* (Olimpia Milano, Italy), Junior Madut (University of Hawaii)
Departing: Xavier Munford* (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Cam Gliddon (New Zealand Breakers), Izayah Le’Afa (New Zealand Breakers), Adam Gibson (retirement)
Free Agents: Zhou Qi (SRP), Brandon Ashley*, Tohi Smith-Milner, Koen Sapwell, Lachlan Barker, Tristan Forsyth

Need: A starting centre and a backup four.

Notes: The Phoenix locked in a key piece recently with the signing of Trey Kell, who will pair with Gary Browne to form the club’s first ever import backcourt.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Access All Areas ?<br><br>Get a unique look into the four walls of the <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SEMelbPhoenix</a> and the process behind signing their new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> import, <a href="https://twitter.com/trey_kell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trey_kell</a>.<br><br>Full video at <a href="https://t.co/Hq4riTsxZU">https://t.co/Hq4riTsxZU</a> <a href="https://t.co/AcE1KcU4aK">pic.twitter.com/AcE1KcU4aK</a></p>— The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1548099489386221571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

From there, CEO Tommy Greer and head coach Simon Mitchell started turning their attention to the five spot with Chinese superstar Zhou Qi not expected to return.

Speaking with ESPN earlier this week, Greer shared some insights into their efforts to fill that position.

“We’ve got both (locals and imports) on the list,” Greer said.

“We are going down that path and we hope to have something done in the not-too-distant future. But you can miss on a situation and be back to the drawing board, so we hope to have something done soon.”

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Head Coach: Chase Buford

Returning: Xavier Cooks, Dejan Vasiljevic, Shaun Bruce, Jordan Hunter, Jaylin Galloway, Angus Glover, Biwali Bayles (IP)
New: Derrick Walton Jr* (Motor City Cruise, NBA G League), Justin Simon* (Riesen Ludwigsburg, Germany), Kouat Noi (Cairns Taipans), Jackson Makoi (DP)
Departing: Jaylen Adams*, Jarell Martin* (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), Ian Clark*, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (Illawarra Hawks), Tom Vodanovich (New Zealand Breakers), Makur Maker (NS)
Free Agents: Matur Maker, Jayden Hodgson, Iggy Mitchell

Need: A stretch big.

Notes: The Kings have reloaded nicely over the past month, since announcing that their championship-winning import trio were unlikely to return.

Derrick Walton Jr is a high-level PG who should have a major impact this season, while Justin Simon’s defensive abilities are well and truly proven in this league.

The next position to be filled is the one vacated by Jarell Martin; a stretch big who can space the floor alongside Xavier Cooks in the Sydney frontcourt. According to a report from Sportando, the Kings have picked up American-Brazilian Tim Soares to play that role, although there has been no announcement from the club that has made that official. Watch this space.

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Head Coach: Scott Roth

Returning: Josh Magette*, Will Magnay, Jack McVeigh, Clint Steindl, Fabijan Krslovic, Matt Kenyon, Sam McDaniel, Jarrad Weeks, Jarred Bairstow, Sean McDonald (DP)
New: Milton Doyle* (Gaziantep Basketbol, Turkey), Rashard Kelly* (JDA Dijon, France)
Departing: Sejr Deans (Jacksonville University, USA), Jock Perry, Josh Adams*, MiKyle McIntosh*
Free Agents: -

Need: A short-term injury replacement for Steindl.

Notes: With the additions of Milton Doyle and Rashard Kelly, the JackJumpers have finalised their 11-man fully-contracted roster for NBL23.

There is still work to be done, however, with captain Clint Steindl set to miss the start of the season due to stress fractures in his shins. Speaking with The Mercury this week, head coach Scott Roth outlined their efforts to secure an injury-replacement.

“We are in the market of looking around and seeing what’s available in the NBL1 and wherever else we can find someone we think would be a quality guy to fit our culture that could come in and help,” he said.

“We have to find someone that’s in Clint’s realm. Shooting is always important, and experience, so we’ll be looking for someone in that realm and see what we can find.”