Logue Down: Adelaide 36ers in talks to sign Scotty Hopson

Adelaide 36ers are eyeing a deal which would shake-up the NBL playoffs race and are in talks to sign a star with championship experience.

NBL championship-winner Scotty Hopson joining the Adelaide 36ers will come down to dollars, with the two parties currently in talks about a contract value.

It’s understood Hopson is at the top of the 36ers’ import wishlist alongside former New Zealand Breakers injury replacement Levi Randolph.

The former United guard has a contract value in his head, but it’s unclear if Adelaide officials will match his expectations.

Scotty Hopson is in talks with Adelaide 36ers.

WHAT NBL TRULY NEEDS TO GO TO NEXT LEVEL

The Throwdown – the Melbourne derby between the Phoenix and United – continues to go from strength to strength.

I’d love to see something similar in Sydney between the Kings and another team in the future.

Last Thursday’s latest instalment of the Melbourne rivalry was brilliant to watch as both teams competed hard, with multiple lead changes before United finally flexed its championship muscle to win.

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United big man Jack White dunks during last Thursday’s Melbourne derby. Photo: Getty Images.

The banter, and at times dislike between the two teams, is just as good.

Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell called out United forward Mason Peatling for putting multiple late shots on his star forward Mitch Creek this season.

Former United big man Jock Landale – now with the Spurs in the NBA – couldn’t help but weigh in from the other side of the world.

“These comments on Mason,” Landale tweeted with a head slap emoji.

Move over LeBron and Steph: Patty Mills is the king of the Aussie jersey game.

Can Brooklyn Ben retake Aussie NBA jersey sales mantle?

Patty Mills’ popularity has been backed up in NBA singlet sales in Australia via the NBAStore.com.au.

The Boomers and Brooklyn Nets guard sits first in the top 10 most sold singlets Down Under, which is no surprise given his remarkable past 12 months.

Mills led the Boomers to a historic bronze medal at last year’s Tokyo Olympics while he has enjoyed a career-best shooting season with Brooklyn.

Josh Giddey has surged into fourth position following his record-breaking rookie season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

But what about Ben Simmons?

Simmons previously held the No.1 most popular NBA singlet in Australia, but has dropped out of the top 10 following his well-publicised trade standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers.

I’m tipping popularity in Simmons’ singlets to surge again if he can rediscover his All-Star calibre form at Brooklyn.

‘My meditation’: How hoops aided Kyrgios’ stunning Aus Open

Australian Open doubles champion Nick Kyrgios credits daily pick-up basketball games for helping him improve his fitness and mindset as he aims to become a consistent force on the singles stage.

It comes as Kyrgios recently revealed how the grind of international tennis had taken a deep personal toll on him, leading to “dark thoughts”.

The 26-year-old is now in a better position – and he credits spending at least three hours daily playing basketball for his improved mental state.

“It’s my meditation – nothing else exists when I’m playing basketball,” Kyrgios told the Logue Down Basketball column.

Nick Kyrgios uses basketball as an outlet off the tennis court.

“I’ve literally (been playing) every day since the Australian Open.

“It’s amazing cardio and fitness. I normally run full court for two to three hours a day.

“Wherever I am around the world I always try and find time to hoop.

“Being in Sydney though has really enabled me to lock down and work on the fundaments of the game.

“I’m a student of the game, I love learning about it and it’s where I find my peace.”

Kyrgios plays his pick-up games at the KGV Recreation Centre in The Rocks in Sydney alongside up to 10 or more mates, including Kings rookie guard Biwali Bayles when he is free from his NBL commitments.

The tennis star is so tight with Bayles that he treats him like a sibling.

“Biwali’s journey so far is remarkable, and I want nothing but success for my little brother,” he said.

“I love his energy, his passion for the game and how he competes on every play.

“We met about a year ago and just clicked.

“I also love playing with Biwali as well although the NBL has tough Covid restrictions, so it’s made it hard this year.”

Kyrgios “loves” attending Kings home games and is a big fan of the NBL as a league.

Makur Maker's jumper is @NickKyrgios approved.#[e-mail]/7dbmC3SMtj

— The NBL (@NBL) December 5, 2021

Away from the bright lights, though, he says nothing beats playing his own private pick-up games.

“I have a great little crew in Sydney,” he said.

“We keep it tight, and I love getting around the boys and running.

“They have made me understand the game better and have taught me more moves and to make better decisions.

“They have built my game up to be able to compete at a fairly high level.

“I also think the movement, particularly on defence helps with my tennis game.”

Kyrgios will also be glued to the television on Monday from 12pm (AEDT) for the NBA All-Stars game.

He is tipping Team Durant to win.

“And Jayson Tatum for MVP – I love my C’s,” he said.

“I guess that means Team Durant, but LeBron is the GOAT so I’m happy whoever wins it.”

Broekhoff’s making a difference

My respect for Phoenix swingman Ryan Broekhoff has always been high, but it has gone to another level in recent times after he bravely shared his mental health struggles dating back to his youth.

The former Dallas Mavericks NBA star revealed how anxiety has had a significant impact on his mental state, on and off the court.

Phoenix swingman Ryan Broekhoff is making a big impact in the mental health space. Picture: Getty Images

Broekhoff’s story has inspired one Phoenix fan to also seek help for his struggles.

“I had a couple of DMs with the fan back and forth about what he can do to seek help – that meant so much to me,” Broekhoff said.

“If I can at least help one person that is great. Me speaking out was more to encourage others to do the same.”

LIKE

Sitting courtside to watch Jaylen Adams and Bryce Cotton put on a point guard show in Sydney on Saturday night was a basketball blessing.

I removed my journalistic straitjacket for the night to sit back and enjoy some hoops at Qudos Bank Arena.

Let’s just say the Sydney Kings and the Perth Wildcats didn’t disappointment, producing one of the games of the season so far.

The clash between Adams and Cotton was simply sensational, with the gifted guards going toe-to-toe in the best personal battle I’ve seen this season.

The Kings versus Wildcats epic was the perfect advertisement for the NBL.

Update. https://t.co/mWaztc9C3Spic.twitter.com/qLG48CPntk

— The NBL (@NBL) February 19, 2022

As for Adams – the man is a joy to watch live – and I can see why plenty of judges rate him as a legitimate MVP candidate alongside Cotton this season.

The former Milwaukee Buck has produced two 30-point games against Perth this season – 30-pts, 8-rebs, 9-assists in round 9 and 31 points, 7-rebounds, 8 assists in round 12.

Adams is the first player from any team to have two 30-point games against the Wildcats in the same season since Randy Rutherford for the Bullets in 2002.

DISLIKE

The average basketball fan in Australia, who watches the NBA, but doesn’t tune into the NBL.

Seriously, take the time to watch the Australian league, and I promise you won’t regret it.

The level of talent is elite, the games are entertaining, and unlike other domestic sports, the NBL is a legitimate pathway and breeding ground to the world’s best league -the NBA.

In fact, the Kings versus Perth blockbuster on Saturday night was better than a lot of NBA games this season.

New Sydney Kings import guard Ian Clark has made an immediate impact. Photo: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images.

SHOUT OUT

New Sydney Kings import guard Ian Clarke spent a whopping 38 days in hotel quarantine in China before joining the Sydney Kings.

It’s a long haul, but it didn’t stop the former championship-winning Golden State Warriors guard from shining on debut for the Kings in Saturday’s win over Perth.

 Clarke finished with 13 points, including three of four from range, to prove he will be a valuable signing for Sydney given his 330 games of NBA experience.

He was equally influential off the court, with his energy on the bench while he also picked up on a Perth play involving a Vic Law cut to the basket before the move eventuated. It’s hard to put dollar signs on that type of experience.

Originally published as Logue Down: Adelaide 36ers in talks to sign Scotty Hopson