The NBL is a league of constant flux, with teams and players in a state of perpetual motion. As the off-season unfolds, the question on everyone's mind is: who will be the next big name to join the league? The free agency period has seen some big names already sign on, but there are still a few key players who could be the missing piece for several teams. Let's take a look at some of the remaining players and where they could best fit.
One player who has been making waves is Patty Mills. The five-time Olympian has been a hot topic of discussion, with teams doing their due diligence to see if he will return to the league. While there are numerous teams who could use a guard with his skillset and veteran experience, such as the Brisbane Bullets or Illawarra Hawks, the Perth Wildcats have been on the front foot in recent weeks, getting everything ready to make a move if he decides to return. From a basketball standpoint, Mills would slot into this Wildcats team with ease and provide plenty both on and off the floor. Perth's biggest hole to fill is still that leading guard, and Mills would tick that box and more if the Wildcats get it done.
Another player who has been linked to a specific team is Sunday Dech. The former Wildcat has been connected to the Cairns Taipans since his mutual release with Perth, and it makes perfect sense for both parties. For Dech, the 32-year-old is looking for somewhere that he can get consistent opportunity to do what he does best – defending at a high level and setting a tone on that end of the floor. For the Taipans, that type of mindset and on-court leadership is something they have been desperate for on the defensive end of the ball for a few seasons. With Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith returning and the reported addition of Keanu Pinder, a signing like Dech would tick all the right boxes for Adam Forde. If nothing else, the Taipans would at least have their plan A when it comes to defending six-time MVP Bryce Cotton, who has enjoyed some of his best performances against Cairns.
Kendric Davis is another player who has been linked to a specific team. It's a no-brainer that the Championship Series MVP returning to the Kings to run it back and continue what has been an incredible first two seasons in the league. While any team could take Davis' talents and put themselves into championship contention, being back in Sydney under Brian Goorjian, alongside Matthew Dellavedova and Xavier Cooks would be huge. Being in the backcourt with Dellavedova's leadership and defensive mentality allows Davis to thrive at what he does so well.
Casey Prather is another player who has been linked to two teams. While Casey Prather continues to work back from his season-ending injury, there are a couple of teams that could really utilize him for next season. Before getting hurt, the three-time champion was having a career year, putting up over 24 points and ripping down seven rebounds for the Brisbane Bullets. While the club has undergone some big off-season changes, Will Weaver is being patient in his approach with building his team, which is understandable considering where they've been in recent years. The Bullets know exactly what type of player they'd be getting in Prather, who showed his resilience to bounce back from a much more significant injury three years ago and be more damaging than ever.
Tyson Walker is another player who could be placed on any team and thrive. However, if you had to pick a blueprint of a team that would suit him perfectly, it's the South East Melbourne Phoenix. With the way that Josh King wants to play, Walker would be the perfect addition to their backcourt, with his ability to pressure in the open court and be a legitimate scoring threat. As elite as he is defensively, his speed and agility also suit the quick pace of play that the Phoenix showcased last season, pushing the tempo at every opportunity. The tandem with Nathan Sobey would also work wonders, as we saw how the veteran has reinvented himself under King.
Mitch Creek is another player who has been linked to two teams. There is usually always a lot of chatter around Mitch Creek returning to the NBL each off-season, because a marquee of his level is hard to come by. While the 34-year-old is enjoying himself in Europe and will attract significant offers worldwide, his Long Island Nets connection with Will Weaver could be a good starting point to push towards a reunion. The Bullets are on the hunt for a big name local that fits all the criteria that Creek does, to put alongside their start big man Tyrell Harrison. If it’s not in Brisbane, the Illawarra Hawks are also another team that his skillset would slot perfectly into. With Sam Froling using the off-season to get back to his very best, the dual-left handed front court would complement each other nicely. Throw in Tyler Harvey, Wani Swaka-Lo-Buluk and a vacant import guard and that would be a very fun group.
Luke Travers is another player who has been linked to the Illawarra Hawks. The Hawks have been on the hunt for a marquee power forward and while Luke Travers has signalled his intention to remain in the NBA circles, he would be another great fit for what they're building. Still just 24-years-old, Travers has continued to improve each year and is coming off a strong year with the Cavaliers on his two-way deal before being waived. Another long and athletic forward who can play both ends of the floor is exactly the type of player that would help Justin Tatum get back to their very best. Travers averaged over 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the G-League last season, with 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks, continuing to stuff the stat sheet on every occasion. The most unique part about Travers is that he can play multiple positions, allowing flexibility and versatility to a team.
Milton Doyle is another player who has been linked to a specific team. The former champion with Tasmania would be a great addition to what Scott Roth is building for NBL27. With Will Magnay re-signing and Taran Armstrong reportedly returning home, the last few pieces of the JackJumpers puzzle need to be scoring wings. The 32-year-old averaged 16 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists for Melbourne last season, but continued to show his ability to takeover games when required. Doyle has previously signalled his desire to stay in the NBL and push towards Australian citizenship, which is another reason why a return to Tasmania makes sense for him and his family. The fact he understands the Tasmania system both on and off the floor is the bonus of getting a veteran of Doyle’s calibre who still provides so much on the offensive end.
Torrey Craig is another player who has been linked to several teams. There have been reports that Torrey Craig is interested to return to the NBL for a full season, if he can’t get another opportunity stateside. There has also been plenty of talk around teams who have expressed interest in the star forward, including the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers. Now, I say anywhere but Perth, because the Wildcats have that position filled with Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle. The 35-year-old veteran proved late last season that he can be dominant on both ends of the floor, scoring the ball at a high level and taking on big defensive responsibilities. When you start to think about his best landing spot, you can make the case for many teams to go after Craig, including a return to Cairns where his professional journey began. If it becomes clear that his attention has turned to playing a full season in Australia, you can expect a few teams to join a bidding war for the star forward.
Finally, there is Bryce Hamilton, who suffered a horrific ACL injury late in his first season for Tasmania. Prior to getting hurt, Hamilton was nothing short of a superstar, as he put together one of the best debut seasons for an import in some time. He quickly became one of the most lethal offensive talents in the league and while he continues to rehab his injury, he could be a name that teams look at for a mid-season addition. Granted, those teams will need to keep an import spot up their sleeve until he is fit and ready, but perhaps there’s a team out there that wants to sign him for a multi-year deal and lock him in from the jump.
