Davis, Ingles and the off-season moves that matter

There are just weeks to go until the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season tips off, and anticipation is building for what promises to be the biggest year yet.

While several rosters are still being finalised, let’s take a look at every team’s most important off-season move so far.

No Bul, Kuol joins Adelaide

You could argue Trevor Gleeson’s arrival as head coach was the biggest move the 36ers made, but luring Bul Kuol from the Kings is a huge addition for last season’s runners-up.

Adelaide was one layup or rebound away from winning the championship last season, and with most of its core already returning, there was still a glaring hole on the roster that needed to be filled.

Despite the 36ers’ success last season, there were constant questions about their lack of defensive weapons. That issue was further highlighted by their inability to slow down Kendric Davis in the Championship Series.

The 36ers haven’t just addressed that weakness; they’ve brought in one of the league’s best and most versatile defenders in Kuol. As the 29-year-old continues his recovery from an ACL injury, there’s little doubt his inclusion will help forge a new identity for the team.

Will power

The one constant for the Bullets over the past few seasons has been change, with significant roster turnover and multiple head coaches contributing to some tough times in Brisbane.

The Bullets made it clear this off-season that their search for a new head coach would focus on landing a big name capable of driving the club forward. After considering several strong candidates, they ultimately appointed one of basketball’s most highly respected coaches, in Will Weaver.

The former G League Coach of the Year has also taken on the role of President of Basketball Operations and carefully assembled his roster for the NBL27 Season. Weaver’s experience across the NBA, NBL, Europe and international basketball has earned him widespread respect, and he now arrives in Brisbane determined to build something special.

Head of the snake returns

Marquee big men are arguably the toughest players to recruit in Australian basketball, and those who have enjoyed sustained success become even harder to sign as their value rises on the world stage.

When Keanu Pinder left the Cairns Taipans a few seasons ago, he was coming off back-to-back Most Improved Player awards. After receiving limited opportunities in Adelaide, he had developed into an MVP candidate during his two seasons in Cairns.

Following stints in Perth and Japan, Pinder is back with the Taipans and reunited with Adam Forde, determined to make a statement in his return to the league.

Signing the 31-year-old is exciting enough for Taipans fans, but pairing him with Jack McVeigh in the frontcourt gives Cairns one of the most dominant duos in the league.

Harvey changes the game

Illawarra fans had been patiently waiting for news out of Wollongong since the end of last season, and their patience was rewarded with the announcement that franchise guard Tyler Harvey’s Australian citizenship had been fast-tracked.

The 33-year-old sharpshooter has been one of the pillars on which the Hawks built their championship success two seasons ago and is now set to become a local marquee player. After initially needing to carefully select two imports to complement their strong local core, the Hawks can now recruit three international players to bolster their NBL27 roster.

The Hawks have reportedly moved quickly following the news of Harvey’s impending citizenship, securing championship winners Milton Doyle and Darius Days. With one import spot remaining and the likes of Sam Froling, Will Hickey and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk locked in to return, the Hawks are building nicely.

Joe brings it home

The whispers and rumours finally came to fruition two months ago when NBA veteran Joe Ingles signed a multi-year deal with Melbourne United.

It felt like every off-season his name was linked with a potential return to the NBL, where his professional career began almost 20 years ago. This time, it finally happened.

After spending the past couple of seasons as an invaluable veteran presence within a young Minnesota Timberwolves outfit, Ingles and his family have returned home following an impressive international career.

From a basketball standpoint, the move is significant for United, who have arguably added the player with the highest basketball IQ in the league. However, what Ingles brings off the court could be just as valuable.

His relationships with coaches and teammates across the NBA could open doors for other players to join him in Australia, while also helping young NBL talent pursue opportunities in the NBA.

Mennenga not going anywhere

Gordie Herbert’s appointment as head coach could easily have been the choice, given it is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings in league history. However, as mentioned with Pinder’s return to Cairns, marquee big men are incredibly valuable.

From a purely basketball standpoint, retaining Sam Mennenga is a massive move. The 24-year-old is coming off an impressive NBL26 campaign, and the fact the Breakers’ star big man is a Kiwi local made securing his services even more important.

Mennenga has quickly developed into one of the league’s most dominant bigs and has still only scratched the surface of his potential. Keeping him alongside Parker Jackson-Cartwright gives the Breakers one of the competition’s most damaging inside-out duos and a pairing certain to excite fans every night.

More Pepper please

When a 25-year-old local guard hits the free agency market after a breakout season, nearly every club wants a piece.

In just his second professional season, Elijah Pepper became a fan favourite among the Red Army and proved an important part of Perth’s success, with his ability to catch fire at any moment.

The Wildcats acted quickly to keep Pepper away from their circling rivals, retaining the emerging star and keeping their core together for another season.

When Pepper erupted for 20 points in a single quarter against the Taipans in Round 18 last season, everyone gained a true understanding of the firepower he possesses and just how quickly he can turn a game on its head.

All hail the King

When you look back two years to an 0-5 South East Melbourne Phoenix, it’s hard to imagine the club could be where it is today, and much of the credit belongs to Josh King.

It’s easy to focus on the immediate on-court success King achieved after taking over, but the way his energy has reignited the entire club deserves just as much recognition.

When ESPN’s Olgun Uluc released a report detailing each team’s roster spend last season, it highlighted King’s ability to maximise the talent at his disposal while operating with a significantly smaller budget than the competition’s other top-four teams.

The Phoenix’s future now looks even brighter after King recommitted for another three years. If history is any indication, a Championship Series appearance could be coming sooner rather than later.

Can we get an encore, Kendric?

He’s back, and he has a point to prove.

The Sydney Kings locked away their MVP on a new deal, and now Kendric Davis is ready to take over. After leading the Kings to a championship and claiming Championship Series MVP honours in the process, Davis returns to lead the charge for Brian Goorjian’s men and appears more motivated than ever.

With Davis’ electrifying guard play and Matthew Dellavedova’s leadership, the Kings found a backcourt combination that became undeniable by season’s end.

Davis has the keys once again and will be hoping a full season alongside Torrey Craig and Xavier Cooks can deliver even more success in the purple and gold.

Hands off the merchandise!

There have been plenty of exciting off-season moves for the JackJumpers, including Taran Armstrong’s return home and Will Magnay’s re-signing, but locking Bryce Hamilton into a multi-year deal could prove to be their most important decision by season’s end.

Before suffering an ACL injury, Hamilton was in MVP form last season and had quickly established himself as a force in the NBL. The 25-year-old had done enough to attract significant interest from rival clubs, although his injury and rehabilitation remained major considerations.

Any club pursuing Hamilton likely needed to offer a multi-year deal because of his recovery timeline. Tasmania found a way to ensure his next appearance on an NBL court would be in a JackJumpers jersey, giving him the opportunity to complete his rehabilitation and return to his dominant best.