Australian Basketball Insights
As the National Basketball League (NBL) season unfolds, several storylines are emerging. With two rounds of action completed, it’s essential to separate early-season concerns from genuine red flags.
The South East Melbourne Phoenix’s 0-3 start is a cause for concern, particularly on the defensive end. Their schedule hasn’t been kind, with matchups against the Wildcats, Melbourne United, and the New Zealand Breakers. However, the team’s perimeter trio of Walton-Sobey-Wieskamp may need reevaluation, as it appears clunky on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, the Illawarra Hawks are riding high, thanks to an explosive offense that’s scoring 127.9 points per 100 possessions. Trey Kell’s emergence as a primary initiator has been a significant factor, and Darius Days’ ability to adapt to different scoring roles has been impressive.
The Brisbane Bullets, on the other hand, are struggling to find their footing, with James Batemon III’s early-season form a significant concern. His 4.0 points and 3.0 assists per game, combined with subpar shooting percentages, have raised questions about his role as a creator.
In Perth, coach John Rillie’s rotation management will be crucial, as he juggles a talented roster. Players like Keanu Pinder, Elijah Pepper, and Tai Webster will need to make the most of their limited minutes to contribute to the team’s success.
One intriguing storyline revolves around Tacko Fall, who initially joined the New Zealand Breakers for their NBA preseason games. However, the team is now seriously considering retaining him beyond those games, pending his performance in practice and the upcoming matches. If Fall impresses, the Breakers may need to make a tough decision regarding one of their current American imports.
In other news, the Brisbane Bullets have secured a contract extension with Tyrell Harrison, their standout big man. The deal is a testament to the team’s long-term vision and Harrison’s growth as a leader on and off the court.
Montrezl Harrell’s impressive start to the season has raised questions about his future with the Adelaide 36ers. As an injury replacement for Jarell Martin, Harrell’s current deal will expire when Martin returns to full fitness. The 36ers will need to decide whether to deactivate a local player to make room for Harrell or explore other options.
The New Zealand Breakers made history by debuting pink lines on their court, a move that could spark a trend around the NBL. The team hopes to see other franchises adopt their own signature colors for court markings.
Finally, some standout plays from the past week caught our attention. Lachlan Olbrich’s impressive pass to Hyunjung Lee, the Sydney Kings’ clever set play to free up Xavier Cooks, and Rob Edwards’ elite three-point shooting are just a few examples of the exciting basketball on display in the NBL.
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