The NBL’s newest team South East Melbourne unveils its name with a big-name signing in its sights

The NBL’s newest team has unveiled its name but those hoping for the return of the Magic will be disappointed while a big-name Australian playing in the US is being targeted as the club’s first signing.

Mitch Creek drives on Chris Goulding. Picture: Sarah Reed

A Phoenix will rise in Melbourne as the NBL unveils its new franchise.

South East Melbourne Phoenix enters the competition next season and the Herald Sun can reveal their first target will be Australian NBA hopeful Mitch Creek.

They also plan to monitor Victorian Matthew Dellavedova, who has fallen out of favour at Milwaukee Bucks.

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Creek, arguably Australia’s best player outside of the NBA, would bring the newly-minted Phoenix the much-needed star power to match cross-town rivals Melbourne United.

Creek would get an NBA opt-out clause in any NBL contract, allowing the Horsham export a chance to fulfil his American dream.

Creek is currently plying his trade at Brooklyn Nets’ G-League affiliate, Long Island.

Mitch Creek during his time with the Adelaide 36ers.

Matthew Dellavedova in action for the Milwaukee Bucks.

He led the 36ers to the NBL championship series last season, averaging 14.8 points, six rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 31 appearances.

It is unlikely the game-breaker, averaging a healthy 13 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists at Long Island, will even consider a return to Adelaide after the club’s clumsy - and wildly unnecessary - bid to block his path to the NBA.

Creek auditioned for the Nets at Summer League but ultimately fell short of an NBA roster spot.

Dellavedova is likely to attract interest from NBL clubs should he be tempted to follow in Andrew Bogut’s footsteps and play in Australia ahead of the Boomers’ World Cup and Olympics campaigns.

The 2016 NBA champion has logged only minor minutes at the Bucks this season, playing in six of the first 14 games.

Sam McKinnon in action for the old South East Melbourne Magic.

Dellavedova, who inked a record four-year $51 million deal in 2016, is contracted next season and wants to play in the NBA for as long as possible.

South East Melbourne general manager Tommy Greer said the club had “definitely” started conversations with Australians playing overseas.

“We’ve got players playing all over the world at the moment so whilst we can’t start conversations with players in the NBL that are contracted due to free agency regulations, we’ve definitely been out and about and starting conversations,” Greer told SEN.

South East Melbourne Phoenix will be officially launched today at the State Basketball Centre, with the club’s logo and colours kept a closely-guarded secret.