"Unbelievable" Walker in MVP conversation

There are many reasons why Melbourne United is enjoying their best-ever start (13-2) to a Hungry Jack's NBL season.

Firstly, Dean Vickerman's side sits in first in the league in offensive rating (120.5), defensive rating (106.3), net rating (14.2), rebound percentage (52), points per possession (1.21) and true shooting percentage (57).

Another is the exceptional play of Tyson Walker in his first season outside of the United States.

Through the first 10 rounds of the season, the Michigan State University alum is averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 2 steals per game.

It goes deeper than that though, with Walker's impact on the team highlighted by him sitting second in the whole competition in plus-minus (8.9).

Because of these, and that fact he's the fuel that makes the United engine go, NBL champion Pete Hooley believes the point guard should be in this season's MVP conversation.

"I'm doing an awards-watch piece in the FIBA Break and you give five in the MVP rankings. We know Bryce [Cotton], [Nathan] Sobey and KD [Kendric Davis] are up there," Hooley said on Monday's episode of NBL Overtime.

"But Melbourne United have been the best team in the competition and they need to have some sort of representation.

"I know it's even across the board with how they do it, but Tyson Walker's getting that nod from me.

"I'm taking Tyson Walker probably just in front of Jesse Edwards and Milton Doyle. He's been unbelievable. His steals, his [work on the] defensive [is amazing]. He's in that conversation."

Echoing Hooley's point was fellow NBL champion Damon Lowery.

"We can't be fooled just because he's in this really stacked back court with Milton Doyle, Chris Golding, Dash Daniels, who's coming in playing some quality minutes and Shea Ili when he's back," Lowery said.

"We tend to go, maybe he's not that good of a scorer [because of his situation]. He is just a great facilitator, but when it's time to score, he gets 20 easy points.

"He can shoot and can get around just about anybody [off the dribble], and then transition, [that's when] he is at his most lethal."

Adding to the praise for the 25-year-old, who played for the Texas Legends in the NBA G-League last season, was 1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker.

"I don't think he has the individual brilliance of some of the other point guards, including Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Bryce Cotton, that we have in the competition," Rucker said.

"But within Melbourne United's system, he is exceptionally brilliant."

Following the FIBA Break, United head to Perth to play the Wildcats at RAC Arena from 9.30pm AEDT on Thursday, December 4, live on ESPN.