Tipped for title, heavyweight still finding their feet

Melbourne United had one of the more successful off-seasons in terms of their roster build, with many predicting them to win it all during the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

However, through the first five rounds, this star-studded lineup is yet to click, and it has Derek Rucker questioning who they really are.

“We’re about 25 per cent through the season… and I’m still not sure what Melbourne United’s identity is,” he said on NBL Now, presented by CODE Sports.

“A lot of that comes from the fact they have had injuries and a lot of moving parts.

“But still, Tasmania have had injuries and moving parts and I know what identity they are, now that’s due to the fact they’ve had continuity in their coaching.”

United Head Coach Jacob Chance made waves in the off-season, leaving his successful opportunity with the San Antonio Spurs G League affiliate to rejoin United after Dean Vickerman’s departure.

“Jacob is leatning and I’m trying to temper everyone’s expectations on what kind of coach Jacob is going to be, because it’s so early,” Rucker added.

“Let him have great wins and tough defeats where he hardens himself and learns from it.”

United head to Perth on Friday night as they look to bounce back from a shock defeat last weekend to the bottom-of-the-table Illawarra Hawks.

Chris Anstey believes the short-term answers for United can be a simple fix, while they still get key players back from injury.

“When you have so much talent I think it can be as simple as shortening your rotation,” Anstey added.

“Maybe one of Jacob’s progressions is having a conversation with someone who expects to play minutes and say just for a minute, you’re not going to.”

Friday’s Round 6 clash between the Wildcats and United tips off at 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.