NBL Analysis: What worked and what failed for the eliminated teams?
They’re the ones already planning for NBL26, MATT LOGUE and MICHAEL RANDALL dive into what worked and what failed for the eliminated teams.
NBL Scores and News
Don't miss out on the headlines from NBL Scores and News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
While the focus may be on the final four for NBL25, our analysts break down the teams now looking to next season after being eliminated.
Cairns Taipans
Strengths: Cairns finished last in NBL25, but they had the talent to compete with any side in the competition. Led by guards Taran Armstrong and Rob Edwards, the Taipans recorded upset wins over top four sides Illawarra and Perth. The men in orange always competed hard despite lacking the big budget of major market teams.
Weaknesses: Injuries played a major role. Cairns struggled to get players consistently on the floor in NBL25, which killed their chances of competing for the post-season. The Taipans can’t afford to lose any players if they want to beat the likes of United and Illawarra.
Final word: Cairns will have a new coach in NBL26 following Adam Forde’s departure, so the Taipans could look very different next season. Depending on who the coach is, the men in orange could attract a big marquee name. The Taipans have the ability to climb up the ladder, but they desperately need to recruit strongly to make it a reality.
New Zealand Breakers
Strengths: Gun American-born guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright provided countless highlights for the battling Breakers. At one stage in the season Jackson-Cartwright was in the MVP mix. Fellow import guard Matt Mooney also excelled, averaging 16.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists.
Weaknesses: Owner Matt Walsh’s gamble to sign giant former NBA big man Tacko Fall backfired spectacularly. Fall - who stands at a mammoth 7’6 (2.29 m) - struggled defensively in a physical NBL competition. The Breakers also couldn’t consistently perform, resulting in their sharp slide post the mid-season FIBA break.
Final word: Much like Cairns, it will all depend on who is coaching New Zealand in NBL26. It’s uncertain if Finnish-born mentor Petteri Koponen returns next season, which also casts doubt over the roster. Regardless, the Breakers need an overhaul across the board to have any chance of becoming a genuine force again.
Brisbane Bullets
Strengths: Star forward Casey Prather produced a magnificent season for Brisbane in NBL25. Prather, 33, turned back the clock to state his case as the Bullets’ best player. Import guard James Batemon was also brilliant for the Bullets, including dropping a record 51 points in a big win over the Perth Wildcats.
Weaknesses: Brisbane copped a shocking injury toll in NBL25, which made it extremely difficult to reach the post-season. Batemon, Josh Bannan, Tyrell Harrison, Sam McDaniel, Rocco Zikarsky, Deng Adel, Emmett Naar and Jarred Bairstow all missed significant periods.
Final word: If Brisbane can land a big name coach like championship-winner Chase Buford, it would be a game-changer for the battling Bullets. Buford would help the Bullets attract quality players on the open market, while also getting the best out of the current roster.
Brisbane has underachieved since returning to the NBL in 2016, so it’s vital they nail the front office to have any chance of on-court success.
Tasmania JackJumpers
Strengths: Tasmania’s famed toughness kept them in games again in NBL25. JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has built a disciplined and structured side that turns games into a dogfight.
Import guard Jordon Crawford stood out to win the club’s MVP award, while fellow import guard Milton Doyle remains one of the league’s best when he aims up.
Weaknesses: Injuries to star players – namely starting big man Will Magnay – cruelled Tasmania’s chances of defending their title this season. Magnay fractured his toe in mid-December, which was a bitter blow for the JackJumpers given his form to start the season. Tasmania did its best to reach the top six, but Magnay’s absence in the paint proved costly.
Final word: Tasmania’s strong culture under Roth means the JackJumpers should rebound quickly in NBL26. The JackJumpers still have a core base of players built for success, while they’ll also look to secure big names during free agency.
Sydney Kings
Strengths: Kouat Noi produced a career-best season to secure the NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year, import guard Jaylen Adams starred when fit and Xavier Cooks impressed in his return to the NBL following 12 months away in the NBA and Japan. NBA draft bound prospect Alex Toohey also showcased his potential with a classy season.
Weaknesses: Sydney had the talent, but an unbalanced roster made life difficult. The Kings needed another guard to backup Adams, while they missed the presence of a legit centre in the paint. Injuries also cruelled Sydney, with Adams, Jaylin Galloway and Keli Leaupepe all suffering setbacks.
Final word: Sydney will be a force in NBL26, especially if the Kings can secure three quality imports. Coach Brian Goorjian is determined to ensure the men in purple and gold can reload to compete with the top teams like Illawarra and United.
Adelaide 36ers
Strengths: Adelaide was one of the NBL’s most feared teams when they collectively fired. Imports Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell formed a deadly combination alongside star locals Dejan Vasiljevic and Isaac Humphries. This foursome helped the 36ers reach the top six, despite a host of locker room issues throughout the season.
Weaknesses: The Sixers struggled as frontrunners, blowing multiple leads throughout the season. This was on show in Adelaide’s season-ending Play-In loss to South East Melbourne when the 36ers gave up a 21-point advantage.
Final word: Through all the chaos that was Adelaide’s NBL25 campaign, there is hope for the 36ers to build upon. Head coach Mike Wells is set to return and the club is determined to re-sign Harell and potentially Davis. Regardless, it feels like Adelaide also must make a mental leap to end the club’s 24-year championship drought.
More Coverage
Originally published as NBL Analysis: What worked and what failed for the eliminated teams?
How NBA’s half billion dollar man inspired dad’s NBL success
Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum has dismissed criticisms of his son, NBA star Jayson while crediting the impact the highest paid NBA player has had on his NBL team.
‘Make an impact’: Former Wildcats champ plots Perth’s demise
Melbourne forward Kyle Bowen may have already won an NBL championship with semi-final opponent Perth, but says a title in blue would “absolutely” taste sweeter with United.