NBL 2022 Grand Final: Key stats, predictions and talking points for Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers
After the JackJumpers’ fairytale run to the Grand Final series, the NBL is already considering where its next expansion franchise could be. See all this week’s NBL talking points.
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It’s the dream ending to an incredible NBL season.
The historic Kings against the competition new boys from Tasmania.
Matt Logue breaks down the key numbers that will decide the Grand Final series and talks to one legend who is tipping a Sydney sweep.
Plus, where the NBL could expand next after the JackJumpers’ success and the big plans to turn Brisbane Bullets into a powerhouse.
Watch Game 1 of the NBL Finals between the Sydney Kings and Tasmania JackJumpers on May 6 Live & Free with ESPN on Kayo Freebies. Sign up for Kayo Freebies now, no credit card required >
EX-DEVIL AND SYDNEY ROYALTY TIPPING KINGS SWEEP
You could understand if Steve Carfino felt torn heading into the grand final series given his allegiances to Sydney and Tasmania.
Carfino started his NBL career with the now defunct Hobart Devils from 1986 to 1988 before joining the Sydney Kings in ’88 as a foundation player.
The NBL legend loved his time at both clubs, but says he’ll always be a King at heart.
“It’s funny, I didn’t know how I would feel until this grand final matchup was thrust upon me,” said Carfino, who played 132 NBL games.
“I used to feel that way when I was watching Team USA play Australia when I was younger. Now I’m just cheering the Boomers every time and there is no hesitation.
“It’s a similar thing with his grand final – I’m a Kings man. I was there at the franchise’s very first game.
“I’ve got nothing but great memories of playing in Hobart, but there isn’t a tug of war to where my loyalties lie – it’s with the Kings.”
Carfino believes Sydney is primed to secure its first championship in 17 years this season.
He rates the Kings’ potent offensive game, spearheaded by MVP-winning guard Jaylen Adams and a strong support cast.
It’s why he Carfino expects Sydney to sweep Tasmania, although he is expecting the JackJumpers to fight for every possession.
“It’s what Tassie has done all season – it has been impressive to watch,” he said.
“You can be out of sight, out of mind down in Tasmania and it can create a bit of a chip on the shoulder. I’m sure they’ve used that as motivation, but I just can’t go past Sydney’s talent.
“I think the Kings are going to clean house on the JackJumpers. Sydney is the superior team, but I’ve seen bigger upsets.
“Tasmania can do it, but I just think the Kings will clean Tassie’s clock in three games.”
JACKJUMPERS OPEN DOOR FOR CANNONS?
NBL boss Larry Kestelman says the return of a Canberra team makes sense following the success of the Tasmania JackJumpers.
Kestelman couldn’t be happier with the JackJumpers’ maiden season, and he believes a similar set up in the Nation’s Capital would be equally successful.
“As far as expansion goes, almost an identical blueprint to Tasmania is Canberra,” Kestelman said.
“When I recently walked into the Arena at the AIS I thought: ‘I’ve seen this story before.
“So, for me, Canberra is a little bit of a no-brainer, but the government has got to get on board like Tasmania.
“What the JackJumpers have done for Tasmania is priceless.”
Kestelman confirmed the league has been approached by six locations across Australia that are keen to enter a team in the NBL.
“We will be very careful and cautious, though, because
“It’s important for the government to get behind any team.
“They need to support the venue and if they want the team to succeed, then that is the right blueprint for the community.”
KINGS PRIMED FOR BATTLE
The Tasmania JackJumpers lack size and talent compared to other NBL teams, but you can never question their energy and effort.
It’s why the Sydney Kings won’t be taking the new boys on the block lightly in the grand final series.
The Kings hold a 2-1 series lead this season, but the JackJumpers fought hard in each game.
Sydney coach Chase Buford is expecting Tassie to be tough again in the grand final series.
“We have to give them the ultimate respect,” Buford said.
“We’ve played two games this season. In the first one we were without Jaylen, and they deserved to win the game through three quarters.
“We had a terrific fourth quarter and we ended up sneaking out of there with a win.”
Buford says defence was the key to Tasmania’s sole win over the Kings in round 10.
“We couldn’t throw the ball in the basket the whole game,” he said.
“It was a defensive slugfest and they hit enough threes to get the win.
“The JackJumpers play hard and make it difficult for you and if you don’t get some good looks, you will struggle to score.
“So, you have to make shots against these guys.”
KINGS VS JACKJUMPERS THIS SEASON:
Round 3: Sydney 83 def Tasmania 71 at Qudos Bank Arena
Round 10: Tasmania 77 def Sydney 70 at MyState Bank Arena
Round 18: Sydney 103 def Tasmania 83 at MyState Bank Arena
BULLETS GO BIG
A global sports investor who has ownerships of football clubs in the US and UK has bought a “significant stake” in the Brisbane Bullets.
Jake Silverstein, who is an owner of football clubs Swansea City and DC United, has vowed the make the NBL outfit a “dominant force” after making a big enough investment to be co-managing owner.
Silverstein and co-owner Jason Levien will be responsible for overseeing and operating the NBL club, who missed the playoffs this season, winning just 10 of 28 matches.
“I believe we can make the Brisbane Bullets the premier international destination for aspiring basketball talent and a dominant force in the NBL,” Silverstein said.
“I am incredibly excited to further integrate the club within the community and use the unique platform provided by professional sports to bring joy and pride to our fans.”
KEY GRAND FINAL STATS:
— This is the first time the two Grand Final teams had not been in the final four the previous season since 2015 when New Zealand played Cairns.
How important is game one of a Grand Final series?
— 23 of the past 24 Grand Final series has been won by the team that won game one.
— The only exception in that time span was the 2008 best of 5 series with the Kings beating the Tigers by 21-points at home in game one but losing the series 2-3.
— In 1995, the Wildcats came from 0-1 down to beat the Giants in a best of 3 series and the only other two series that have been reversed from 0-1 down were in 1992 and 1996 between the Tigers and Magic when both teams shared the same home venue.
— Since winning their three-peat, Sydney have won just 3 of their last 11 Grand Final matches.
— At home in Sydney, the Kings have lost their last 4 Grand Final games and 6 of their past 7.
"IT'S GOOOOOD! IT. IS. GOOOOOD!"@mattmc33 describing @10jadams step-back three that sent the @SydneyKings to the Grand Final.
— Cluch Radio (@CluchRadio) May 2, 2022
Who will join the Kings in the championship series? Find out tonight on @CluchRadio from 6pm #NBL22pic.twitter.com/8iXcC1ig0p
— The Kings are yet to win a Grand Final game at Qudos Bank Arena.
In 2020, they lost game one to the Wildcats 86-88 in front of 11,647 before Covid struck and crowds in stadiums were banned. Sydney went to Perth and evened the series 97-83 and back in Sydney for game three, the Wildcats were too good 111-96 before the series could not be continued and a winner declared after three games.
— The Kings have never lost to a Tasmanian NBL team in Sydney, going undefeated in nine games against the Devils between 1988 and 1996 as well as this season’s win over the JackJumpers.
The last time a Tasmanian NBL team won in Sydney was back in 1987 when the Devils beat the West Sydney Westars 91-83 at the State Sports Centre, the year before the Kings were formed, with Paul Stanley (31) and Steve Carfino (19) doing the damage.
NBL GRAND FINAL SERIES:
Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Game 1: Fri, May 6 from 7.30pm (AEST) at Qudos Bank Arena
Game 2: Sun, May 8 from 2.30pm (AEST) at MyState Bank Arena
Game 3: Wed, May 11 from 7.30pm (AEST) at Qudos Bank Arena
Game 4: (If required) Fri, May 13 from 7.30pm (AEST) at MyState Bank Arena
Game 5: (If required) Wed May 18 from 7.30pm (AEST) at Qudos Bank Arena
Referees: Michael Aylen, Vaughan Mayberry and Chris Reid
NBL ICON QUITS AFTER HISTORIC MILESTONE GAME
Brian Goorjian has resigned as Illawarra Hawks head, opening the door the NBL’s most successful coach to potentially return to Asia.
Goorjian elected not take up his third-year option with the foundation club after steering the side to the finals in consecutive seasons.
The 68-year-old, who recently brought up his 800th NBL game, will remain as the Hawks’ special advisor for basketball operations but will work remotely.
Goorjian’s long-time assistant coach Jacob Jackomas will step up into the role of Illawarra’s head coach.
“I‘ve thoroughly enjoyed my last two seasons with the Hawks, where we’ve performed extremely well and reached the top four on both occasions,” said Goorjian, who confirms he has been approached by overseas clubs which he is exploring.
“I‘m extremely proud of everything we achieved on the court and look forward to helping the club in any way I can moving forward.
“This move also allows my long-time assistant coach Jacob, who I have complete faith in, his chance to prove himself in the NBL. “The plan was always for Jacob to succeed me at the Hawks and the club, thanks to the excellent staff and owners, is in an extremely strong position - which is really exciting for all involved.
“The strides this organisation has made in the Illawarra community over the past two seasons have been incredible and I‘m excited to see what Jacob, the returning players, owners, and staff can do in the coming years.”
Watch Every Game of the 21/22 NBL Finals Live & Free with ESPN on Kayo Freebies. Sign up for Kayo Freebies now, no credit card required >
Jackomas, who became the club’s 14th head coach during March 27’s win against Melbourne, due to Goorjian testing positive for COVID-19, was excited about the new challenge.
“Everyone here has been extremely lucky to work with and learn from Brian over the past two seasons and my coaching staff‘s mission is to build on that moving forward,“ said Jackomas, who’s coached alongside Goorjian for more than a decade at the Sydney Kings, Shenzhen Leopards, and Shanghai Sharks before teaming up at the Hawks.
“I‘m extremely excited about the opportunity presented to me because it’s always been a dream of mine to coach at the highest level and the NBL is one of the top leagues around the world.
“On top of that, the core we already have here in place fires me up and I’m looking forward to adding more pieces in the coming months, as we start our quest on the NBL 23 banner.”
Goorjian will remain with the Boomers, as his Tokyo bronze medal-winning squad look to build on that success at the 2023 FIBA world championships (set to be held in Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines) and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“Basketball in this country is as strong as I‘ve seen it, which is saying a lot as I started coaching here in the NBL in 1988,” the six-time NBL champion said.
“Full credit to Larry Kestelman and the NBL office, for their superb job, particularly over the past two years with managing all the disruptions caused by COVID-19.”
From NBA’s Spurs to NBL GF
The Tasmania JackJumpers have surprised most people in the hoops world with a remarkable rise to the grand final series in their maiden NBL season.
Most people that is, except Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford, who always had an inkling the JackJumpers could shock.
Buford didn’t necessarily think a grand final berth was within Tassie’s reach, but he had confidence they would impress based on his connections to the club.
The Kings mentor coached JackJumpers guard Josh Magette back in 2017 in the G League for the Erie BayHawks – Atlanta’s NBA affiliate.
Buford was an assistant coach at the BayHawks – who like Tasmania were also an expansion team.
The pair combined to help the BayHawks reach the G League Conference Finals.
Buford and Magette have kept in contact the entire NBL season, even joking about meeting each other in a potential grand final series.
“Now, much to our both our surprise, it has become reality,” Buford said.
“Josh is just a winner and a fun guy to be around, so we have stayed connected over the years and throughout this season. During the playoffs we’ve been texting a lot after each game.
“We’ve been saying how fun would it be if we played off in a grand final series, and now we’ll get our chance.”
Buford’s season with Magette at the Erie BayHawks ironically mirrors his current campaign at the Sydney Kings.
The BayHawks struggled early before making a surge to the finals, just like the Kings who battled prior to a 13-game winning streak.
Buford praised Magette as being a key to the BayHawks’ success.
“We started off 7-13 and we ended up making our way to the conference finals and Josh was a huge piece,” he said.
“It was my first year as an assistant coach in the G League and my first time in an expanded role, in terms of the day-to-day stuff.
ðŸ‘🜠https://t.co/fL3o9HkjOG
— The NBL (@NBL) May 2, 2022
“I got to work with Josh closely. I was the guy breaking down film with him, so we had a lot of great conversations.
“It has been fun to see Tasmania’s success because on a personal level I really like Josh.”
Buford also has links with Tasmania coach Scott Roth.
He coached against Roth when he was in the G League with the Iowa Wolves between 2017/2019.
Buford’s father, legendary San Antonio GM RC Buford, was also an assistant coach at the Spurs when Roth played there in 1989.
“That is a cool full circle moment,” Buford said.
“I’ve also coached against Scott’s teams in the G League, so it has been funny to see how much more emotion he has shown in Tassie for that team and the community.
“I’ve been shocked to see how much fun he has been having. I’ve also had an adopted brother and good friend working at the Timberwolves for a few years and they also got to know Scott.
“I’ve had people from home saying, ‘you should have won coach of the year’, but I’ve told them no, Scott Roth was terrific. The way that team plays for him, I just have so much respect for him.”
Buford highly respects Tasmania, but he has a soft spot for one JackJumpers’ player.
He has fond memories of watching guard Jack McVeigh dominate the NBL1 competition when he first arrived in Australia last year to coach the Kings.
“I’m watching this guy shoot one-legged threes and I’m thinking, ‘who the hell is this Jack McVeigh bloke and why the heck didn’t we sign him?’,” he said.
“All he does is make every play and makes it look like the Harlem Globetrotters, even though it is the NBL1.
“Jack was really impressive, so I was a little bit less shocked to see his impressive season.”
It’s why Buford will refuse to take the JackJumpers lightly in the grand final series, even if their budget to secure talent is significantly smaller.
“Because the JackJumpers have outperformed teams,” he said.
“They’ve beaten everyone in the league, who at some point had to turn around, shake their hand and say well done.
“You have to show them respect.”
The Kings will host the JackJumpers in Game 1 of the NBL grand final series on Friday at Qudos Bank Arena from 7.30pm (AEST).
Kings reveal MVP re-sign intent ... if he’s still available
The Sydney Kings are in a “prime” position to retain Jaylen Adams if the newly crowned MVP guard doesn’t secure an NBA deal next season.
Adams has attracted widespread praise after producing one of the finest import seasons in Kings’ history.
The former Milwaukee Buck has averaged 20.1 points, 5.14 rebounds and a league-high 6.14 assists to steer the Kings to the grand final series.
Adams’ scintillating form hasn’t gone unnoticed by NBA scouts, with multiple teams keeping a close eye on the gifted guard.
The 25-year-old has proved he is an NBA-level talent this season with his dominant play at both ends of the floor.
Kings CEO Chris Pongrass told News Corp that the franchise will do whatever it takes to re-sign Adams, but stressed the club’s aim is to help him return to the world’s best league where he has previously played 44 games for Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Portland.
“There is an intent from everyone on our side to re-sign Jaylen, and yes, we believe there is a chance,” Pongrass said.
“Understandably he wants to get back to the NBA and we hope he gets there - his play this year has dictated that he’s an NBA talent without question.
“However, if he doesn’t sign in the NBA, we expect to be in a prime position to bring him back.
“He loves Sydney, he loves this team and Chase, so if he’s not in the NBA, we will make sure he is a King.”
Adams was at his brilliant best in Sunday’s Game 2 to help Sydney sweep Illawarra and into the grand final series.
He dropped 29 points in 30 minutes, including four of seven from range, prompting NBL commentator Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams to declare the Kings need to pay the gun guard a $1 million to retain his services.
“Game 1 in a hostile environment and Jaylen goes into Illawarra, drops 30 and gets the win,” Williams said.
“48 hours later he drops 29 in 30 minutes – that man is worth a million dollars.
“I don’t know what it is going to take to keep him in this country, but there is a whole lot of money over there in Sydney.
“That man is worth a million and he is the MVP for a reason. Give him the ball, follow his lead and there is a King in Sydney.
“I don’t know what it is going to take to keep (Jaylen) in Sydney, but whatever it is, get it done.”
Adams fittingly received his MVP award on Sunday from the last King to win the trophy in 2019 – retired NBA and Boomers big man Andrew Bogut.
The King of Sydney 👑#NBLFinals#NBL22pic.twitter.com/4riABXYMAO
— The NBL (@NBL) May 1, 2022
Adams becomes the Kings’ fourth NBL MVP joining Chris Williams (2003), Matthew Nielsen (2004) and Bogut (19’).
Notably, two of those MVPs came in championship years in 03’ and 04’.
Adams will be hoping to add to Sydney’s championship success this season
NBL new boys set high bar for expansion teams
Tensions between the Sydney Kings and the Illawarra Hawks have exploded after the father of two Hawks players took to social media to reveal the reason the NBL fined Kings coach Chase Buford $10,000.
Buford was slapped with a significant fine and a single match suspension that will be suspended until the completion of the 2022-23 season for publicly calling out referee Chris Reid in the post-match press conference after Sydney’s final round loss to the Hawks.
The reason Buford copped such a big punishment is because he also used a texta to write “F-!#$%@ suck” on the referees’ locker room door at Qudos Bank Arena.
Shane Froling, the dad of Hawks players Sam and Harry, went on Twitter over the weekend to call out the Kings coach.
“The truth, Sydney too bloody good, Hawks ordinary,” Froling senior tweeted hours after Kings defeated the Hawks in the opening semi-final.
“Refs and call centre inconsistent. The cynic in me says call the ref out at halftime, again at the end of the game and then get a felt pen and write on the refs door that the NBL refs F-!@&%$#S@#k.
“Why? Cause it works. Tarnished.”
Froling senior was referring to Buford’s actions after Sydney’s last round loss to the Illawarra.
@NBL
— Shane Froling (@ShaneFroling) April 29, 2022
The truth, Sydney too bloody good, Hawks ordinary, refs and call centre🤮inconsistent. The cynic in me says call ref out at 1/2 time, again at end of game then get a felt pen and write on the refs door that NBL Refs F-*#~% S^( k. Why? cause it works!!!! Tarnished.
The Kings coach was so frustrated with the officiating that he used a pen to write derogatory words on the referees’ locker room.
It’s understood Buford immediately regretted his actions in the heat of the moment.
The Kings mentor apologised for his behaviour at his midweek press conference, vowing to be better in the future.
“It was an amateur thing to do,” Buford conceded.
“I’ve got to find a way not to get into a personal battle with the officials or anyone else and just focus on our team.
“That is another growth moment for me and something I’ve been working on to continue to try and get better at.
“I’ve got to take this one on the chin.”
CLUBS BANK IN
NBL clubs will receive a financial boost from league HQ for the second straight season on the back of the growing strength and rise of the competition.
I’m told league owner Larry Kestelman will allocate more than $2 million to the 10 NBL teams despite another challenging year due to Covid.
It’s understood the league has forked out close to $4 million in costs for the relocation of teams like New Zealand and Perth during the pandemic.
However, each club will receive approximately $200,000, which the league hopes to increase in the coming season.
The clubs would like to see more money from the league, but also understand the challenges in recent seasons.
DELLY’S BIG IMPACT
The box score isn’t always an accurate reflection of impact, and Melbourne United marquee man Matthew Dellavedova is the perfect example.
Eyebrows were raised when Dellavedova was named in the All-NBL Second Team at last week’s awards.
The former NBA champion and Boomers veteran has produced a solid season, averaging 10.48 points, 4.9 assists and 3.03 rebounds.
Some fans and experts believe other players were more deserving of All-NBL Second Team honours, but you also need to look beyond the stat sheet.
Dellavedova makes other players better, which has been on show in spades at United this season.
Look at Shea Ili’s progression at both ends of the floor, the rise of Jo-Lual-Acuil and the consistency of Caleb Agada.
All these players have put in the work, but they’ve also been blessed to have Dellavedova’s vast experience on their side this season.
United coach Dean Vickerman dubbed ‘Delly’ the “scientist” in the pre-season due to the guard’s attention to detail.
There is a reason that the defending champions have been able to maintain their lofty standards this season and the signing of Dellavedova has had a lot to do with it.
JACKJUMPERS SET BENCHMARK
The Tasmania JackJumpers’ remarkable rise in their first NBL season is now the benchmark for all sporting franchise’s to emulate.
It’s incredible to think that the JackJumpers won 17 of their 28 regular season games while they defeated all nine rival teams.
Tasmania have now defied the doubters to force a deciding Game 3 in their semi-final series against defending champions Melbourne United.
The JackJumpers’ expansion success was best summed up by respected NBL journalist and author Boti Nagy over the weekend.
"They got a lot of fight!"
— The NBL (@NBL) April 30, 2022
Yes they do Scott, yes they do.@JackJumpers#NBLFinals#NBL22pic.twitter.com/BqaGZbet5g
“The JackJumpers have given the NBL a lease of new life which a new club in Melbourne (or Sydney) could not,” Nagy tweeted.
“It‘s why places such as Canberra, Gold Coast and regionals always should be considered for expansion first. Not always pragmatic but TJJ have shown how.”
NBL legend Chris Anstey also weighed in via social media.
“What a great discussion to be having after the state the NBL was in a decade ago,” Anstey said.
“Top priority for any expansion club needs to be sustainability so that our next generation can follow the same teams we are following today.”
LIKE:
Watching Sydney Kings MVP-winning guard Jaylen Adams is a basketball blessing that we need to savour while it lasts.
Adams has produced a sensational season to guide the Kings within reach of a championship.
The former Milwaukee Buck was at his brilliant best in Sydney’s semi-final sweep of the Illawarra Hawks.
Adams proved unstoppable to guard in both games as he dropped 30 points, six rebounds and six assists and then backed it up with 29-7-3 to book the Kings’ spot in the grand final.
He also nailed several freakish shots with multiple defenders on him to even draw praise from the most passionate Hawks fan.
It’s unknown if the off-contract Adams will return to the Kings and the NBL next season, but if not, let’s enjoy his silky and sublime skills while he is still here.
DISLIKE:
The ongoing saga that is Ben Simmons is just sad. Sure, Simmons has deserved some criticism for the way he has conducted himself, especially through his ugly trade standoff with former franchise Philadelphia.
There is no doubting that Ben could have handled that situation with more class and maturity, regardless of the 76ers’ role in the mess, but the latest pile on aimed at the Aussie is just over the top.
Simmons hasn’t played for over 10 months due to a back injury and mental health issues as a result of his playoff struggles and dramatic departure from Philadelphia.
Stephen A. Smith on Ben Simmons:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 24, 2022
"This is one of the most pathetic
situations that I've ever seen in my
life.â€
(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/rhREdptmDj
Both his back and mental health concerns are legitimate, so it’s unfair to say that by not playing he is letting down his teammates.
Why would Simmons fake a back injury? He would love nothing more than to revive his promising career.
The former No. 1 draft pick is a generational talent with his ability to defend, pass and drive.
Simmons’ shooting must improve, and so can his attitude at times, but the public execution has gone too far.
Let’s support him to rise again – because the constant bombard of abuse is doing no one any favours.
SHOOSH:
If Melbourne United beat Tasmania on Monday night, they’ll have the dream grand final draw with at least two Sunday games while their rivals will be relegated to midweek games.
United finished the regular season in first place, but this format is hardly fair, and it has been noticed by rival clubs.
Originally published as NBL 2022 Grand Final: Key stats, predictions and talking points for Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers
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