NBL23 report card: The good, the bad and the ugly for ever non-grand final club
Only two teams can make the grand final leaving eight whose NBL23 season has come to an end. So what went wrong — and right — for the teams that missed the decider?
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The son of an AFL great is at the centre of a potential free agency tug of war as preparations for NBL24 ramp up.
New Zealand Breakers grand final-bound guard William McDowell-White has emerged as a target for the multiple clubs, including Perth, Brisbane and South East Melbourne.
McDowell-White, whose dad Darryl White won three straight AFL premierships with the Brisbane Lions, has starred for the Breakers this season.
The Boomers World Cup candidate has averaged 10.28 points, 4.93 rebounds and 6.03 assists to help New Zealand go from last to a championship series.
McDowell-White is tipped to be the Kings’ biggest threat in the championship series, which tips off on March 3 with Game 1 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
As Sydney and New Zealand battle out for a title, the remaining eight teams are busy weighing up how to improve for next season.
News Corp takes a look at how each team fared in NBL23 and what they need to climb the ladder.
Cairns Taipans: 3rd (18 wins, 10 losses)
What went wrong: Star forward Keanu Pinder couldn’t stay fit, and in the end, it cost Cairns dearly. Pinder missed large chunks of the final two months of the season due to ankle and face injuries. The Taipans performed admirably in his absence to reach the semi-finals, but the North Queenslanders lacked the class to beat defending champions Sydney in a semi-final series.
What went right: On the back of the shrewd signings like DJ Hogg, Shannon Scott and Sam Waardenburg, the Taipans slivered from second last to third on the ladder. The youngest roster in Cairns history, produced the second-best regular season in club history as they went 18-9 to finish equal second but third on percentage, and by not once dropping out of the top four.
Reigning rookie of the year Bul Kuol became one of the NBL’s best defenders, Tahjere McCall provided endless energy while Keanu Pinder excelled again to pick up consecutive Most Improved gongs.
The future of star Taipans forward Keanu Pinder remains up in the air, but “unfinished business†and the ability to be a star in Cairns could tip him towards staying in the tropics. ðŸâ🀠#NBL23#NBL24pic.twitter.com/hSYk8vi0DL
— Cairns Post Sports (@CairnsSports) February 24, 2023
What needs to improve: Cairns is tipped to lose Keanu Pinder to another cashed up club, most likely overseas. It will leave the Taipans on the search for another marquee forward to compete with the NBL’s upper echelon. Cairns also struggled from three-point range in NBL23 – sitting in equal last position in three-point percentage -and this must change for the Taipans to take the next step.
Off-contract players: Keanu Pinder, Bul Kuol, DJ Hogg and Shannon Scott
Tasmania JackJumpers: 4th (16 wins, 12 losses)
What went wrong: Defence undoubtedly wins titles — the top-four defensive teams were the last four teams standing in NBL23 — but you also have to put the ball in the bucket. Only the bottom two teams — Brisbane and Illawarra — scored fewer than Tasmania’s 84.6 points per game — and that was still five points more than last season.
What went right: Plenty. The Jackies are two years in, and they’ve nailed it on the court and off it. A tough, uncompromising, slow-it-down defence-first playing style, framed by beloved coach Scott Roth and executed by a playing group that is completely brought in led the JackJumpers to the finals for the second year in succession, giving them a 100 per cent strike rate as a franchise. Made it through the play-in tournament and stole a game off the more-fancied New Zealand Breakers.
What needs to improve: Another guy who can get his own bucket would be massive for this team. Milton Doyle was among the best players in the NBL this season and Jack McVeigh is a smiling assassin, but if those wells dried up, the Jackies found it difficult to get the scoreboard turning over. Throw the kitchen sink at DJ Hogg. As much as they can hype the crowd and team, would love to see Josh Magette abandon ship on the logo threes and do even more of what he does best — dish the rock.
Off-contract players: Jack McVeigh, Milton Doyle, Rashard Kelly, Isaac White, Josh Magette, Matt Kenyon, Jarrad Weeks, Clint Steindl
South East Melbourne Phoenix: 5th (15 wins, 13 losses)
What went wrong: A lot — and they still snuck into the play-in tournament. Recruited well, but endured a pre-season marred by injury and lack of fitness that continued to be an issue throughout the season. Ryan Broekhoff had a third season marred by absences, import Trey Kell struggled for fitness throughout, star point guard Gary Browne hurt his knee, Zhou Qi came in late, off a bout of Covid, struggled to find puff, then left for China with a quarter of the season left and MVP candidate Mitch Creek played through a crippling foot injury. Now they’re searching for a new coach.
What went right: Mitch Creek and Alan Williams. Creek was sublime in perhaps his most-impactful season in the NBL, while former Phoenix Sun Williams proved an offensive revelation, monstering opponents as a nightly 20-10 threat and his off-court contribution to the club’s fanbase was immeasurable. Unstoppable at their best.
What needs to improve: A new coach, for a start. The Phoenix are aiming high with five-time NBL champion Trevor Gleeson still among a strong list of potentials, despite a report to the contrary on Friday night. Brian Goorjian, Mike Kelly and Judd Flavell are also strong options. The back court needs work and, while they could bring back both Kell and Browne, William McDowell-White is available at the right price and that would make for a devastating combination. As mentioned, durability is a huge issue for this squad and getting the group together early will be huge. Look for Broekhoff to have a huge off-season and enter NBL24 in tip top shape.
Off-contract players: Dane Pineau, Kyle Adnam, Gary Browne, Trey Kell, Owen Foxwell
Perth Wildcats: 6th (15 wins, 13 losses)
What went wrong: Rebounding. Perth failed to win a rebounding count in their first 13 games while they finished the season as the league’s worst rebounding team. It’s an area the Wildcats are desperate to change through the recruitment of more front-court talent. Perth’s defence was also disappointing in NBL23. The Wildcats leaked 2568 points – the fourth worst record in the league.
What went right: Bryce Cotton continues to excel as the NBL’s premier import. Cotton was in the mix to win the MVP again this year, although he needs more help from his teammates for the Wildcats to rise up the ladder. Perth coach John Rillie also deserves credit for having the guts to bench veterans Todd Blanchfield and Mitch Norton. The bold move paved the way for the Wildcats to turnaround a 3-5 start to the season to finish six.
What needs to improve: The Wildcats need more potency in the frontcourt to rectify their deficiencies in defence and rebounding. Perth’s GM of Basketball Danny Mills recently declared that former forward Nick Kay would be the perfect fit, should he opt to return to the NBL following a stint in Japan.
Off-contract players: Luke Travers, Majok Majok, Jesse Wagstaff, TaShawn Thomas, Brady Manek
Melbourne United: 7th (15 wins, 13 losses)
What went wrong: Was always going to be tough replacing a trio of stars in Jack White, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Matthew Dellavedova. It got even harder when big Next Star Ariel Hukporti ruptured his Achilles in pre-season. Talisman Shea Ili came in late and finished early, multiple concussion and inner-ear issues limiting him to just 14 games and United bombed on import Jordan Caroline — who might have been OK, had Hukporti stayed healthy. Were one point away from the play-in tournament.
What went right: Once they finally got the full squad on the park, a lot. Bounced back from a 5-10 start to go 10-3 in the run home and almost steal what seemed an impossible top-six finish. After a slow start, premier import Rayjon Tucker unleashed on the league, while captain Chris Goulding produced one of his finest seasons in years, remaining one of the most-feared players in the NBL.
🎥 Rayjon Tucker's highlight plays of NBL23.
— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) February 15, 2023
With his first campaign abroad done & dusted, @th3flighttuck is set to return to America.
While the NBA remains his ultimate goal, the 25-year-old said he would welcome a return to MU in the future.
Thanks for everything Tuck 💙 pic.twitter.com/GaaIC3LoUX
What needs to improve: In all seriousness, not a heap. Do they get the band back together? United coach Dean Vickerman will be facing a big decision with his big man stocks. Isaac Humphries, late-coming import Marcus Lee and Hukporti are all out of contract. Tough to fit all three in the side. Jo Lual-Acuil was back at Hoop City during Chinese New Year and he’s odds on to return to United one day. Could it happen sooner, rather than later? Xavier Rathan-Mayes has been open in his desire to return and, while Tucker’s development should open plenty of doors for him overseas, he genuinely adores Melbourne. If an NBA deal doesn’t come, the door is open for a return in NBL24. If not, United will have a war chest to chase another top import prospect.
Off-contract players: Brad Newley, David Barlow, Mason Peatling, David Okwera, Isaac Humphries, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Marcus Lee, Rayjon Tucker
Adelaide 36ers: 8th (13 wins, 15 losses)
What went wrong: Scoring machine import Craig Randall’s talent was undeniable but, unfortunately, his locker room contribution was toxic. The Sixers never really got going, before or after he was marched out the door, and a full review of the organisation has now been launched in a bid to bounce back in NBL24.
What went right: They made history beating the Phoenix Suns in pre-season but, from there, not a heap on the court, although they did make a late, unlikely run at an NBL finals spot that was snuffed out by Melbourne United on the last day of the season. Off it, they were a juggernaut, selling out Adelaide Arena five times in a row and setting crowd records.
Our MVP was a joy to watch in #NBL23. #WeAreSixers#SwoopTheHooppic.twitter.com/YKfOkyk68O
— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) February 12, 2023
What needs to improve: Ball movement and defence. At times, they were a bunch of super-talented basketballers, taking it in turns launching. Turnstile effort at the other end produced the third-worst defensive rating in the league (116.3 points per 100 possessions), despite Defensive Player of the Year Antonius Cleveland. Feel like the Cleveland-Robert Franks-Ian Clark import combo has potential, but nailing the third import will be crucial. Jaylen Adams, anyone?
Off-contract players: Daniel Johnson, Kai Sotto (team option), Deng Acuoth, Hyrum Harris, Ian Clark and Nick Marshall
Brisbane Bullets: 9th (8 wins, 20 losses)
What went wrong: Everything that could’ve gone wrong for Brisbane, went wrong in NBL23. Despite having a strong roster that included prized off-season recruit Aron Baynes, the Bullets were languishing in second last after nine games following just three wins.
Brisbane’s ordinary start to the season prompted the club to sack coach James Duncan, amid claims of chemistry issues within the playing group.
GM of Basketball Sam McKinnon briefly took over as interim coach before he was also moved on, leaving assistant Greg Vanderjagt to finish the season as head coach.
What went right: Not much, although Brisbane did display admirable fight to record a few wins to finish the season with some respect. Import guard Tyler Johnson also recovered from a rusty start to the season to end the season in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation.
What needs to improve: Where do we start? In all seriousness, the rumblings out of Brisbane have been positive with the arrival of Stu Lash as basketball operations boss and Justin Schueller as head coach. It’s understood Schueller is focused on getting bedding down Australian talent to join Boomers Aron Baynes and Nate Sobey in Brissy, with out-of-contract Breaker Will McDowell-White a priority target. If the Bullets land the hometown hero, a return for explosive import guard Tyler Johnson is not out of the question and then they’d seek another import in the vein of an Antonius Cleveland-type athletic defender. If not, they’ll be hunting for a blue-chip import point guard.
Off-contract players: Jason Cadee, Tyrell Harrison, Tanner Krebs, Tom Digbeu, Tyler Johnson, Harry Froling
Illawarra Hawks: 10th (3 wins, 25 losses)
What went wrong: A season-ending knee injury to prized signing Justin Robinson before a ball was bounced didn’t help Illawarra’s cause, but the men from Wollongong were woeful regardless. The Hawks failed to get a flow going at both ends of the court, leaving them destined to finish last.
TYLER FOR THREE 😤
— Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) February 4, 2023
📺 ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel#HawkNationpic.twitter.com/9nxFTDGCJo
What went right: Rising Boomers forward Sam Froling continued to excel for Illawarra. Froling averaged 14.04 points, eight rebounds and 2.36 assists. The emergence of guard William Hickey was also a positive in an otherwise forgettable season for the Hawks.
What needs to improve: Every facet of the game. The Hawks finished last in points scored and second last in points conceded.
Off-contract players: Peyton Siva, Deng Deng, Mangok Mathiang, Michael Frazier
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Originally published as NBL23 report card: The good, the bad and the ugly for ever non-grand final club
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