Bullets’ special talent has an MVP case

The NBL’s global standing has never been higher, and it’s now attracting international talent in the prime of their careers.

Nate Hinton is the perfect example. At 27, and only two seasons removed from the NBA, he could have found a home in just about any league in the world, with his best basketball is still ahead of him.

Will Weaver is just glad that home turned out to be Brisbane.

“He’s a special player that we’re grateful to have,” Weaver said after Friday night’s narrow loss to the New Zealand Breakers.

Hinton finished with 18 points, a season-high 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks in almost 38 minutes, all while taking on the defensive assignment of Sam Mennenga, who was held to 9 points.

For Weaver, the box score tells only part of the story.

“I think the game before this you started on Cole Anthony. The game before that you started on Kristian Doolittle. Game before that you started on Bryce Cotton,” Weaver said, turning to Hinton.

“This dude is not gambling from the weak side, right? He’s got to be involved in all the action and all the wrestles and all the screens of various types that happen here in the NBL.

“We’re really excited that forever he’ll be associated with the Brisbane Bullets when he’s off making lots of money and sending me expensive Christmas presents.”

After 13 games, Hinton sits firmly among the leading MVP contenders, averaging 16.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

The former Houston, Indiana and Dallas NBA talent has filled the stat sheet all season.

But it’s not just the numbers that are impressing his coach.

“We’re calling a play at the end, timeouts, and he’s like, ‘No coach, I’m the four, I’ve got to be at the elbow,’” Weaver said.

“It’s the total package: mind, body, spirit. This is what a high-level professional looks like, and he’s just about as humble, committed, diligent and focused as you could ever hope to find.”

Hinton said the role means even more given how he came to Brisbane, after Weaver called him during an uncertain period in his career.

“I just didn’t know what to do, and Coach Will had a plan and said, ‘Let’s do it,’” he said.

“Being able to represent this organisation, represent my family, represent a lot of hoopers that aspire to play the game of basketball.”

The Bullets, now 6-7, host the Tasmania JackJumpers on Sunday.

Six wins from 13 games already matches the Bullets’ entire NBL26 tally, with 20 games still to play. Knocking off a genuine championship contender would be the next step.

“This would be a good situation for us to showcase our mental fortitude, coming off a loss and playing against a team that we haven’t beaten before [in NBL27],” Hinton added.