NBA superstar Josh Giddey names the hottest rising stars to target in SuperCoach NBL
The first tipoff of SuperCoach NBL is less than a week away. See the bargain superstars Aussie NBA star Josh Giddey wants in his fantasy team.
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Over the past week, I’ve spent hours chopping and changing my SuperCoach NBL team with the season opener on September 28 just days away.
This year we could have the most NBA talent in the League – all-time.
I’ve walked the NBL to NBA pathway and can’t speak highly enough of it. It’s, in my mind, the best way a player can prepare for the NBA.
Now, more players than ever are about to experience all the benefits the NBL has to offer.
The eight NBL Next Stars, most of which have incredible SuperCoach value at a starting price of $115,000, have the NBA in their sights. But it goes beyond Next Stars, with other young Australians and imports well and truly on the cusp of joining the Association.
As training camp with the Oklahoma City Thunder begins, here are the NBL players I’ll be keeping a close eye on.
Alex Sarr (Perth Wildcats, SuperCoach price: $115,000)
My agent tells me there is no name gaining more attention in NBA draft circles than Sarr and it’s easy to see why. The Next Star dominated in the Wildcats’ exhibition games against G-League Ignite in front of hundreds of NBA scouts, leading to many saying he is in the conversation for the No.1 pick.
The versatile “unicorn” type seven-footer has everything NBA teams look for and will set the NBL alight this season. Alex’s brother, Olivier, is one of my Oklahoma City teammates, and we are both ready to have late nights and early mornings watching his progression.
Perth fans and SuperCoaches should enjoy him because players like this don’t grow on trees.
Luke Travers (Melbourne United, $276,300)
Travers has, in a way, already been through the NBL-to-NBA funnel after the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him in 2022. However, he has yet to debut with the Cavs, as they’ve encouraged him to keep developing in the NBL.
On a new team with Melbourne United, this could be the year he breaks through and becomes impossible to ignore for the NBA.
Bobi Klintman (Cairns Taipans, $115,000)
Speaking to some friends in the Cairns system, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about Bobi. I’ve been told he has made an immediate impact and, with coach Adam Forde’s strong track record of developing talent, I have no doubt I’ll be seeing Bobi on an NBA court next season.
Denzel Valentine (Sydney Kings, $277,000)
Denzel is one of the most accomplished imports I can remember signing in the NBL. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if I meet him again in the NBA at the end of the season.
Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets, $115,000)
It will still be a couple of years until Rocco is NBA eligible, which is great news for NBL fans because you have an extra year to watch him up close and personal before he makes the leap.
Simply put, the 7’3 17-year-old is a really exciting piece for the future of Australian basketball. His skills only enhance the height advantage, and he’ll no doubt be a force in the NBL, NBA, and with the Boomers.
Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings, $115,000)
The word I’ve heard out of Sydney is Alex could be given a major role this season, one I know he will make the most of. With expectations of playing in Australia’s biggest city and going for a three-peat, the young Aussie will learn how to manage NBA level pressure – a priceless experience. He actually reminds me of a young Gordon Hayward, so I’m excited to see how he develops.
DJ Hogg (Sydney Kings, $375,800)
The name on this list that probably has the strongest chance of winning this year’s NBL MVP. You know where last year’s MVP, Xavier Cooks, is right now? On a multi-year deal with the Washington Wizards. I think the same opportunity is there for DJ.
AJ Johnson (Illawarra Hawks, $115,000)
AJ has a strong circle of NBA personnel around him, including his close friend and Houston Rockets star, Jalen Green. He clearly has the tools to become a first-round pick, and I think he also has the mentors to lead him there.
Trentyn Flowers (Adelaide 36ers, $115,000)
Anyone who is pushing 6’9 and is multi skilled is clearly is a special talent. Trentyn, whose path somewhat mirrors mine as an Adelaide Next Star leading the team, has all the ingredients to be a game-changer.
Ben Henshall (Perth Wildcats, $69,000)
I mentioned those Wildcats v G-League Ignite games earlier, and while Sarr was the headline act, Ben played an award-winning supporting role that I’ve heard has propelled him into NBA discussions.
I’ve seen the WA local advance his game in several areas over the years and have no reason to think he will stop growing now.
Can’t go wrong at that price.
Ariel Hukporti (Melbourne United, $172,100)
I had the chance to share the court with Ariel in Melbourne during the winter for some scrimmages, and man, has he got some spark and energy. The German big man has come back stronger and seemingly more athletic since his Achilles injury, which is a dangerous proposition for opponents.
My thoughts after competing against Ariel was he possesses the raw attributes of power, athleticism and passion that NBA teams look for.
Mantas Rubstavicius (New Zealand Breakers, $115,000)
Sometimes the track record speaks for itself. New Zealand has sent my teammate Ousmane Dieng, Rayan Rupert, Jarrell Brantley, and RJ Hampton to the NBA in recent years. I expect Mantas to join that impressive list.
Taran Armstrong (Cairns Taipans, $69,000)
I have no shame in admitting I love this kid. He is one of my best friends, so I have watched more of Taran than most people.
At CBU, I declared him the best passer in college basketball. His passing, decision making, and vision are just some of his many NBA style weapons. He is in for a huge season and comes in at a bargain basement price in SuperCoach NBL.
Justin Robinson (Illawarra Hawks, $277,000)
Justin has the necessary confidence, and I read he still believes he is one of the world’s top point guards. If he can stay healthy, he will shine for the Hawks and again attract NBA interest.
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