Boom recruits, wild rise and the horror show that just gets worse — NBL Mid-Year Report Card

As the NBL heads into the FIBA break, the first 10 rounds have given us enough evidence to separate the contenders from the pretenders.

Melbourne United remain the competition’s benchmark, while the chasing pack continues to fluctuate through patches of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency.

Injuries, form slumps, coaching adjustments and breakout performances have all shaped the early narrative – and as we near the halfway point of the season, it’s time to take stock.
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Every team has earned a grade based on its performance so far, revealing who’s ahead of schedule, who’s falling short, and who still has the potential to flip the script in the months ahead.

This is our NBL Report Card!

MELBOURNE UNITED

LADDER: 1st

GRADE: A+

SEASON SO FAR

Melbourne United have made one thing clear all season – they’re the team to beat. After suffering back-to-back Grand Final heartbreaks, the club took a different approach to its roster construction, shifting from two imports to three. It’s turned out to be one of the smartest decisions the front office has made.

Tyson Walker, Jesse Edwards and Milton Doyle have transformed this team almost instantly, adding another layer of firepower and versatility to an already well-balanced roster led by Chris Goulding. And they’ve done it while navigating adversity: Goulding missed the opening rounds, and Shea Ili – one of United’s emotional leaders – has featured in just four games.

Despite those setbacks, United sit atop the league in points per game (97.3) and own the best offensive and defensive rating in the NBL. They haven’t just been good – they’ve been dominant.

BIGGEST ISSUE

Melbourne United’s biggest concern this season has been the absence of Shea Ili, who has struggled to stay on the court. The back-to-back NBL Defensive Player of the Year is one of the league’s premier stoppers and a true leader – and with only four games under his belt, United have barely scratched the surface of how good they can be with him fully integrated.

In those limited appearances, Ili has still produced: 9.8 points, 5.5 assists, three rebounds and just under a steal per game. Even more remarkable, he owns the best plus-minus in the entire NBL at +11.8 across those four outings, highlighting just how impactful he is the moment he steps on the floor.

A fully healthy guard duo of Ili and Tyson Walker will create nightmares for opponents. Both can defend at an elite level, and both can score and facilitate – giving United another layer that could push them over the top come finals time.

STANDOUT PLAYER

The standout player – and arguably the biggest surprise package for Melbourne United this season – has been Tyson Walker. At just 25 and only in his second professional season, Walker has made an immediate and undeniable impact.

Through his first 15 games, he’s averaging 14.5 points on 46% shooting, 33% from deep, along with 4.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds and an impressive two steals per game. But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Walker has taken command of United’s offence, dictating pace, controlling the tempo, and seamlessly running sets while also pushing the ball in transition. On the defensive end, he’s consistently matched up with high-level guards and held his own – often winning those battles.

He’s been a major driving force behind United’s dominance and a key reason why they’ve dropped just two games all season.

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

It’s hard – and frankly unfair – to single out anyone on this Melbourne United roster as needing to lift. This is the deepest and most balanced team in the league. They’ve got five players averaging double figures, eight players averaging more than five points, and they currently sit atop both the offensive and defensive rating standings in the NBL.

Even when they hit a brief two-game slump, they quickly corrected course and responded with four straight wins against high-quality opponents. This is a group performing at an elite level across the board – there’s no weak link to point to.

– Joshua Higgins

ADELAIDE 36ERS

LADDER: 2nd

GRADE: A

SEASON SO FAR

It’s remarkable how much an off-season can transform a team’s identity. With fresh faces across the roster and coaching staff – and a completely renewed mindset – the Adelaide 36ers barely resemble the group we saw last year.

At this point in the previous season, Adelaide sat sixth (6–6) and were navigating the fallout from the on-court altercation involving fans and former imports Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell. In hindsight, it’s astonishing they managed to keep the group functioning without imploding.

Fast-forward to now, and the 36ers enter the FIBA break in a far healthier position: second on the ladder, boasting the league’s second-best offensive rating (118.9), trailing only Melbourne United (120.5).

The arrival of five-time MVP Bryce Cotton has re-energised the club, injecting a positive, winning mentality that’s effectively washed away the negativity that previously hung over the organisation. It’s still early days, but Adelaide are clearly tracking toward an NBL Finals appearance.

BIGGEST ISSUE

Too many mouths to feed.

This roster is loaded, and there are only so many minutes, shots and defined roles Mike Wells can distribute while keeping everyone performing at their best.

Bryce Cotton is playing 37.1 minutes per game and leads the league in points (27.1) and steals (2.3), while sitting second in assists (7.0). There is simply no scenario where he takes a reduced role before Adelaide secure home-court advantage.

That means the remaining four positions must be shared across a deep rotation – and inconsistent minutes can stall the growth of young players.

One example is Flynn Cameron, who is averaging a career-high 26.4 minutes but experiencing fluctuating performances due to the fluidity of his role.

Still, this is a luxury problem, and one Wells is well-placed to manage as the season transitions into its second phase.

STANDOUT PLAYER

Zylan Cheatham has been outstanding. The former Breaker is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career, and at 30, looks tailor-made to play alongside Bryce Cotton. Few duos in the league complement each other as well.

Cheatham leads the NBL in rebounding (10.7) while adding 11.4 points and 4.0 assists – an all-round impact that makes him indispensable to Adelaide’s system.

Whether he’s flying in for dunks, cleaning the glass or pushing the tempo, he does it with zero ego. It’s rare for a player accustomed to a bigger role to fully buy into a team-first approach, but Cheatham has embraced it wholeheartedly. A genuine gem.

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

This isn’t so much about needing to lift – but rather embracing a shift in role. If Dejan Vasiljevic fully leans into being Adelaide’s spark plug off the bench, he has the potential to become one of the league’s premier sixth men.

His numbers are down across points (11.2), rebounds (1.9) and assists (1.5), which was always going to be the case with the arrival of Cotton. Yet he’s shooting his best three-point percentage (37.1%) since his Sydney Kings days.

With his minutes trending toward a career low (25.3), the mindset adjustment is key.

We saw a glimpse of what he could be in the win over South East Melbourne, where he erupted for 22 points in just 21 minutes off the bench. Not many teams have that kind of offensive punch waiting in reserve.

If Vasiljevic adapts, grows and leans into this new identity, he can not only help drive Adelaide toward a championship – he’ll put himself firmly in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation.

– Jai Shadlow

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX

LADDER: 3rd

GRADE: A-

SEASON SO FAR

One of the biggest surprises of the season has been the South East Melbourne Phoenix, who sit third on the ladder at 9-4 after Round 10. Nathan Sobey has carried the offensive load, averaging 21 points, four assists and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 42% from the field. As a group, the Phoenix own the third-best offensive and defensive ratings in the league, catching plenty of teams off guard with their aggressive, fast-paced and exhausting style of play.

They’ve also had major contributors across the board. John Brown has been a defensive menace, averaging 2.2 steals per game and setting the tone on that end. Jordan Hunter has taken a noticeable leap offensively, adding a reliable three-point shot – hitting a ridiculous 52% from deep – to complement his 12 points per game. And Angus Glover has been a genuine spark off the bench, putting up 12.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists while bringing relentless energy.

This is a deep, balanced roster that has shown it can match it with most teams in the competition – and they’re proving week after week that their early-season run is no fluke.

BIGGEST ISSUE

While South East Melbourne’s identity is built on suffocating, high-pressure defence, that style comes at a cost. Picking up full court, forcing turnovers and constantly playing at an aggressive pace demands enormous energy – and the toll has begun to show. Their performance has dipped at times from game to game, particularly in situations with tight turnarounds.

Their most recent loss to the Adelaide 36ers highlighted this. Head coach Josh King admitted the group was fatigued, with the quick turnaround – combined with injuries to key players – impacting their ability to sustain their trademark intensity. Even with minutes carefully managed across the rotation, the question remains: can they maintain this relentless style for an entire season?

The system works, but the physical demands are real. How they handle that workload may determine just how high their ceiling is.

STANDOUT PLAYER

Nathan Sobey has been the undeniable standout for the Phoenix. Long considered a talented but at times polarising figure – with questions around whether he was a winning-impact player or simply a stat-padder – Sobey has silenced that narrative this season. He’s doing both: producing elite numbers while driving winning basketball.

Offensively, he’s the clear engine of this team, and defensively he has noticeably lifted his effort and engagement. His production has been dominant, averaging nearly nine points more than the Phoenix’s next highest scorer – a remarkable gap for a team sitting inside the top three.

In his tenth NBL season, Sobey has not only reinvented himself but elevated to a level that has him firmly in the MVP conversation. It’s been a statement season from a player who looks more complete and more impactful than ever.

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

The Phoenix have exceeded expectations and delivered one of the most impressive starts to the season. Their consistency across the board has been a major strength, and it’s hard to pinpoint any individual who needs to lift based on performance alone.

But there is one area that stands out – their record against the league’s elite. South East Melbourne are 0-4 against the top two teams, Adelaide and Melbourne United, dropping two games to each. For a side positioning itself as a genuine contender, that’s the hurdle they must overcome.

This isn’t about talent or effort, it’s about proving they can beat the very best when it matters. Fixing that before the playoffs will be crucial, not just on the court but psychologically, heading into a potential series against one of those teams later in the season.

– Joshua Higgins

PERTH WILDCATS

LADDER: 4th

GRADE: B+

SEASON SO FAR

Given how turbulent their off-season was – from the rebrand, to parting ways with Bryce Cotton, to missing out on marquee targets like Yanni Wetzell – the Perth Wildcats have actually done a respectable job staying competitive through the first half of the season. Still, a lack of proactiveness has kept them from sitting in a much stronger position than their current 8-6 record.

Too often, Perth were reactive rather than strategic with their roster decisions, and that inevitably impacted their chemistry and early-season consistency. Yet as we approach the midpoint of the campaign, the Wildcats are still well-placed to make a push for a top-two finish. The question is whether they have the depth and structure to sustain that run deep into finals.

BIGGEST ISSUE

No pure point guard.

This was one of the biggest red flags in the off-season, and it remains unresolved. Mason Jones was recruited and thrust into a role that didn’t suit him, ultimately leading to his departure after just five games. While David Duke Jr. has been a positive addition, the team still lacks a true playmaker – a responsibility that star forward Kristian Doolittle has had to shoulder, leading the team in assists (3.8).

Is that sustainable? Time will tell.

STANDOUT PLAYER

Kristian Doolittle is unquestionably the Wildcats’ standout. He’s guiding this team with career-high numbers across points (15.7), rebounds (8.1) and assists (3.8), and is playing with the confidence of a genuine franchise leader.

Now in his third NBL season, Doolittle has grown into the face of the Wildcats. This isn’t Dylan Windler’s team, nor Jo Lual-Acuil Jr’s – this is Doolittle’s team. He’s the anchor, the motivator, the emotional backbone of the group.

Despite his naturally introverted personality, when Doolittle shows visible emotion on the floor, it signals trouble for opponents. His vocal presence and lead-by-example mentality are driving forces behind Perth’s competitiveness – qualities not easily found. (Shoutout to Jaron Rillie, too!)

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

Unfortunately, Ben Henshall has taken a slight step back in his third season. The 21-year-old still has plenty of time to rediscover his rhythm, but his regression is noticeable.

It’s important to acknowledge the emotional hit he suffered – being on the verge of securing a life-changing US college deal before it fell through, forcing a return to Perth. That would rattle any young player. His dream isn’t over, but the setback clearly impacted his confidence.

Henshall is averaging 8.1 points but shooting a career-low 26.0% from deep. Shot selection remains his biggest hurdle; too often he slips into “hero mode,” forcing tough attempts late in games that aren’t within the flow of the offense. These are fixable issues, but given the absence of Bryce Cotton this season, many hoped he would take a more significant leap forward.

– Jai Shadlow

SYDNEY KINGS

LADDER: 5th

GRADE: B

SEASON SO FAR

The Sydney Kings have slowly but surely climbed out of their early-season slump after opening 3-5. With a reshaped lineup built around two ball-dominant guards, some growing pains were always expected. Matthew Dellavedova and Kendric Davis finished first and second in assists per game last season, and finding the right balance between them took time.

Early on, that adjustment period also affected Xavier Cooks, whose natural strengths – handling the ball, initiating offence and creating actions – were pushed to the background. But over the past month, the Kings have finally settled into a structure that works. They’ve now won four of their past five games, driven by a commitment to defence and a shift in their offensive approach.

Cooks has taken on more ball-handling responsibility, allowing him to influence the game in the areas where he thrives, while Davis has expanded his scoring impact without disrupting the system. The Kings are starting to look like a team that knows its identity – and one trending firmly in the right direction.

BIGGEST ISSUE

The Kings’ biggest issue is the same one that troubled them at the start of the season – and it still has the potential to resurface later in the year. When Keli Leaupepe was ruled out for the entire season with a knee injury and Jason Spurgin was sidelined for an extended period, immediate concerns emerged around the team’s frontcourt depth.

That shortage was felt early, with Xavier Cooks forced to spend stretches at the five – a role he’s capable of playing but not one that maximises his strengths or the team’s overall balance. Since then, Sydney have stabilised through a more defined rotation between Tim Soares and Hunter Goodrick, both of whom have found solid form and provided reliability in their respective roles.

But with so many top-tier teams boasting elite big men, this remains an area that could become problematic again. The Kings have managed it well so far, but the question lingers: will their frontcourt depth hold up when the stakes rise?

STANDOUT PLAYER

Kendric Davis has been the Kings’ standout performer this season. His averages – 22.3 points, 4.4 assists and four rebounds per game – are slightly down from last year, but given the new environment and revised game plan, his impact remains both impressive and essential. He continues to lead Sydney in scoring, carrying a significant offensive burden night after night.

What makes his season even more notable is how willingly he has adapted. For a player who arrived in the NBL with a reputation that wasn’t always flattering, Davis has bought into the Kings’ structure and culture with complete commitment.

There is every chance his production climbs back to the elite level he set last year, but even as it stands, his influence on this team cannot be overstated. He has been the driving force behind Sydney’s resurgence, embracing a role that demands both discipline and leadership – and delivering consistently.

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

Although he is currently sidelined with injury, Matthew Dellavedova looms as the player Sydney needs more from if they’re to be a genuine title contender at full strength. Dellavedova is averaging 8.9 points and 5.3 assists – all career lows in the NBL – while shooting just 33% from the field and 24% from three, also the lowest marks of his career.

His impact, leadership and competitiveness remain unquestioned, but the production simply hasn’t been there. The Kings are still working out the best way to utilise him, and the question of where he fits in the rotation is becoming more relevant.

It’s possible his most effective role comes as the backup to Kendric Davis, where he can run the offence freely, dictate tempo and create without the constant pressure of balancing his own aggression with making sure others get their opportunities.

For Sydney to reach their ceiling, they’ll need a sharper, more confident and more productive version of Dellavedova when he returns. His lift could be the difference between being a playoff team and being a true contender.

– Joshua Higgins

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS

LADDER: 6th

GRADE: C

SEASON SO FAR

The champions two seasons ago have hit some unexpected hurdles this season under Scott Roth, who is now guiding a younger and less experienced roster than he’s accustomed to.
Their season is far from over – not even close – but with just two wins from eight home games, the team famed for “defending the island” is starting to look far less intimidating on their home floor.

Their crucial win over the Kings last round prevented them from slipping into a franchise-worst losing streak, a small but important sigh of relief. The JackJumpers still fit the “dark horse” label with plenty of games left, but their biggest concern isn’t chemistry or effort – it’s injuries.

Bryce Hamilton has been a revelation, arguably one of the best import signings the league has seen in recent years. He sits seventh in scoring (19.3) and has become Tasmania’s clear No.1 offensive option.

BIGGEST ISSUE

One domino falls – the whole thing wobbles.

Tasmania’s fragility was on full display against the Kings, where the team’s reliance on Will Magnay became obvious. He is one of the league’s premier rim protectors, and without him, their defensive structure collapses.

But Magnay isn’t the only one battling injuries. David Johnson, Anthony Drmic, Kobe Williamson and Magnay have all spent time sidelined this season, leaving the remaining rotation to fight to keep their heads above water.

When fully healthy, this team has the talent and grit to take down anyone. But basketball is unforgiving on the body, and history suggests Tasmania’s injury battles may not be behind them.

STANDOUT PLAYER

This was a tight call between Nick Marshall, John Bannan and Ben Ayre – but Bannan gets the nod.

Arriving from Brisbane with the “injury-prone” label attached, he has proved that tag wrong, playing career-high minutes while appearing fitter and more confident than ever.

He is averaging career-highs in points (15.7), rebounds (9.5) and assists (2.1), and shooting a personal-best 52.8%.

His development has been enormous, and it’s fair to say his value has nearly doubled as a result. Tasmania were wise to secure his signature – at just 24, his ceiling is incredibly high.
WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

Tyger Campbell entered the league with plenty of excitement – a dynamic, undersized guard with deep range – but so far this season, we haven’t quite seen the burst of offensive potential many expected.

That’s not to say he isn’t a good fit. In fact, he suits Roth’s system well and contributes in areas that don’t always show up in the box score. But nudging his scoring average above 9.7 points per game would go a long way in helping this team stabilise.

If Campbell’s performance is Tasmania’s biggest concern, things aren’t too dire. We’ll see how he responds after the FIBA break.

– Jai Shadlow

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS

LADDER: 7th

GRADE: C

SEASON SO FAR

The New Zealand Breakers entered the season viewed as a potential finals contender, but their early form has been far more inconsistent than expected.

Heading into the FIBA break at 5-10, they’ve struggled to generate momentum, particularly at home, where they’ve managed just a 2-5 record. Their away form hasn’t been much better at 3-5.

Statistically, the issues are clear. The Breakers sit in the bottom three in points per game (88.3), bottom three again in field-goal percentage (44%), and are the worst three-point shooting team in the league at just 29%. Those offensive struggles have made it difficult to stay competitive for long stretches.

However, their recent form offers some encouragement. Winning two of their last three games suggests they are beginning to find their identity and build some cohesion. With a reset coming through the FIBA break, the Breakers will hope this late spark is the start of a more consistent and competitive second half of the season.

BIGGEST ISSUE

The Breakers’ biggest issue is their lack of three-point shooting – and it’s not a minor flaw. They currently sit dead last in the league from long range, a problem that has stalled their offence all season and must be addressed during the FIBA break.

Their three primary creators – Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Sam Mennenga and Izaiah Brockington – are all shooting well below 30% from deep, which places enormous pressure on their ability to generate efficient scoring. In today’s game, where spacing, tempo and perimeter threat drive winning basketball, a team simply cannot contend without at least a respectable three-point shot.

Until the Breakers improve in this area, their ceiling remains capped. The shooting slump isn’t just a cold stretch – it’s their defining weakness.

STANDOUT PLAYER

The Breakers’ standout performer this season has been Sam Mennenga, who has elevated his game across every major category. He’s averaging career highs of 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists, continuing the steady progression we’ve seen throughout his young NBL career.

Despite the team’s struggles, Mennenga holds a +2.5 plus-minus – the best of his career – highlighting just how impactful he’s been when on the floor. He has been a consistent, reliable presence in an otherwise inconsistent season for New Zealand.

Mennenga is having a true breakout year and will be central to any hopes the Breakers have of mounting a late-season push. If they’re going to climb back into contention, his continued rise will be a key driving force.

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

Rob Baker has had a season marked by limited opportunity and inconsistent production and he looms as the player the Breakers most need to lift. His averages – 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds on 46% from the field and an excellent 42% from three – show flashes of what he can offer, but they haven’t been enough to convince head coach Petteri Koponen to play him more than 19 minutes per game.

The Breakers need far more reliable output from their import group, but consistency has been lacking from both Baker and Izaiah Brockington. Baker’s offensive skillset is clear, yet his defensive inconsistency has restricted his role and his impact.

If he can become a more dependable presence on the defensive end, the minutes will follow – and with them, the chance for his offensive game to settle and flourish. For a team desperate to stabilise their season, Baker lifting his production could be a major turning point.

– Joshua Higgins

BRISBANE BULLETS

LADDER: 8th

GRADE: D+

SEASON SO FAR

The Brisbane Bullets entered the season with a first-time head coach and a roster that, on paper, looked strong and balanced. But a wave of injuries, incidents and outright drama has derailed any early optimism, leaving Brisbane 8th (5–10) heading into the FIBA break.

It’s difficult to fairly assess their season because we’ve yet to see anything close to a full-strength Bullets lineup. Sam McDaniel went down early. Mitch Norton missed significant time before finally returning. Star import Javon Freeman-Liberty left after just two games but has since rejoined the team. Jaylen Adams was released. Casey Prather – the league’s second-leading scorer at 24.4 points per game – is out for the season.

With so much instability, the team’s true ceiling is unknown. But one question looms above everything else: can rookie coach Stu Lash steady the ship and guide Brisbane to wins in the second half of the season?

BIGGEST ISSUE

Defence – or lack thereof.

Brisbane currently ranks 9th in defensive rating (118.3) and concedes 96.1 points per game. That simply won’t win games at this stage of the season, and it’s an area Lash must address immediately.

Offensively, Prather’s injury leaves a major hole. With imports Terry Taylor and Javon Freeman-Liberty now part of the rotation, it remains to be seen how the scoring load – and overall balance – will be redistributed.

Rebounding is another major problem. The Bullets sit last in the league at just 38.5 boards per game, with Tyrell Harrison responsible for 9.5 of those. That level of dependency is unsustainable. Taylor’s arrival should help ease the burden, but it’s a glaring flaw that needs addressing.

STANDOUT PLAYER

This honour goes to a trio: Alex Ducas, Tristan Devers and Taine Murray.

All three young guns have kept Brisbane competitive while the team has been ravaged by injuries. Lash has squeezed maximum effort out of them, and they’ve responded with maturity and intent. Ducas leads the team in made threes (23), with Murray close behind (16), and all three sit among the team’s top seven scorers – a testament to their growth and reliability.

With new imports joining the mix, the hope is their development doesn’t stall. Each of them looks like a future star in the league.

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

This isn’t about a player – it’s about Stu Lash.

Yes, he’s a rookie head coach. Yes, injuries and roster chaos have made his job incredibly difficult. But as Brisbane enters the second half of the season, the excuses run out. He now has a solid roster to work with, and the return of Sam McDaniel should only strengthen that.

Lash needs to take ownership of this team, establish identity, and start producing more wins than losses. If he can’t, the Bullets risk missing the finals for a sixth straight year – an outcome the club cannot afford.

– Jai Shadlow

ILLAWARRA HAWKS

LADDER: 9th

GRADE: D-

SEASON SO FAR:

After a memorable NBL25 campaign that reignited belief in the club, the focus shifted to whether the Illawarra Hawks could stay competitive and push toward the championship window. Instead, they’ve endured a tough start, sitting second-last at 4-9 through ten rounds – and there are some clear reasons why.

Injuries and import turnover disrupted their early rhythm. Will Hickey, arguably the team’s most important two-way player, missed key games at the start of the season. His ability to control tempo offensively and defend the opposition’s best guards is essential to the Hawks’ system, and his absence was felt immediately. On top of that, integrating JaVale McGee – a dominant interior presence – has required adjustments to their offensive flow, and at times the team has struggled to find consistent structure around him.

The FIBA break arrives at the perfect time for Illawarra. It gives the coaching staff a crucial window to refine their sets, improve chemistry and better integrate their key pieces. If they can return at full health with sharper cohesion, the Hawks still have the potential to surge late and fight their way back into the playoff race.

BIGGEST ISSUE

The Hawks’ biggest issue this season has been establishing a clear and consistent offensive identity. Last year, they thrived with a free-flowing style built on pace, spacing and shared experience across the roster. This season, the arrival of JaVale McGee has forced a significant adjustment. Illawarra have had to slow their pace, change their tempo and ensure McGee has time to establish deep position before initiating sets through him.

In transition, the Hawks are still elite – that part of their DNA hasn’t changed. But in the half court, the shift has been noticeable, and at times uncomfortable. Their offensive identity is still very much a work in progress, and it has shown in their inconsistency through the opening rounds.

A major part of that evolution will come with continuity. Will Hickey has played just seven games this season, and as the team’s primary facilitator and on-court leader, his presence is crucial to shaping how they want to play. As he fully reintegrates and finds rhythm alongside McGee, the Hawks’ offence should naturally settle.

STANDOUT PLAYER

The clear standout for the Hawks this season has been JaVale McGee. The three-time NBA champion has exceeded expectations with a level of consistency and dominance few anticipated. He’s averaging 21.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game – elite production for a player adjusting to the NBL for the first time.

His impact, however, goes far beyond scoring. Defensively, McGee has been a force, averaging two blocks and 1.2 steals per game while anchoring Illawarra’s interior with his length, timing and presence. He has become the backbone of both their defence and half-court offence.

McGee is firmly established as Bryce Cotton’s biggest challenger for the MVP award, and if the Hawks are to claw their way back into the playoff picture, his influence will be at the centre of it. He’s been everything Illawarra hoped for – and more.

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

The biggest area that needs to improve for the Hawks is their depth. While four of their five starters are averaging double figures, the production from the bench has dropped significantly compared to last season. Only three role players are averaging more than five points per game, a sharp contrast to the contributions they relied upon in NBL25.

For Illawarra to resemble the competitive, balanced team they were under Justin Tatum last season, they need more consistent output from Jonah Bolden, Harry Froling, Dan Grida and Biwali Bayles. The load on Tyler Harvey, JaVale McGee and Will Hickey is simply too heavy at the moment.

For context, the Hawks had five players averaging double digits last season and nine players averaging more than five points per game. That depth, versatility and shared scoring was their identity – and it’s what allowed them to play fast, defend as a unit and stay dangerous every night.

– Joshua Higgins

CAIRNS TAIPANS

LADDER: 10th

GRADE: F

SEASON SO FAR

What a disappointing start to what was billed as the biggest season in Cairns Taipans history. After going more than 100 days without a single roster move – alongside swirling rumours of new ownership – Taipans fans spent much of the off-season anxious and frustrated.

Then, suddenly, Cairns dropped a bombshell: a near-complete roster overhaul capped by the signing of the “one-million-dollar man,” Jack McVeigh.

But despite all the noise and investment, little has changed from last season’s disastrous 10th-place finish (8–21), which included a 15-game losing streak. Injuries have undoubtedly played a role, but the new imports – Admiral Schofield and Andrew Andrews – simply aren’t delivering.

Cairns are last in both offensive rating (103.8) and defensive rating (123.0), performing worse statistically than their team from a year ago. Sitting 10th again with just three wins, any further slide will make NBL26 feel like a complete write-off – an outcome that would be incredibly disappointing given their off-season of big promises.

BIGGEST ISSUE

The Taipans lack a true floor general – someone who can run the team, steady the offense, and get players in the right spots. Andrew Andrews isn’t that player. While he averages 6.5 assists, he also leads the league in turnovers (3.5) and is clearly being asked to carry far too large a load, especially with the team’s injury issues.

The Taipans also struggle in the paint, settling for threes far too often despite shooting just 32.5% from deep. This lack of interior scoring bleeds into their rebounding – they allow the most rebounds per game (44.6) and sit ninth in rebounds themselves (38.7).

Watching Cairns play, it’s hard to decipher any consistent offensive strategy. Too often, possessions devolve into isolation attempts, with one player trying to break down an entire defence on their own. That’s not sustainable basketball.

STANDOUT PLAYER

This one is unquestionably Jack McVeigh. Entering the season with massive expectations – and a massive contract – he has delivered. It took him a little time to find his rhythm, but he is now averaging career highs across points (20.2), rebounds (6.8) and assists (5.1), while keeping Cairns competitive almost single-handedly.

He’s already set a new career-high with 39 points, doing so in just his 12th game as a Taipan. The man who hit the championship-winning shot for Tasmania in NBL24 is proving he’s worth every cent of his blockbuster deal.

WHO NEEDS TO LIFT

Admiral Schofield arrived with one of the most impressive NBA resumés of any import in the league, boasting over 130 NBA games. But so far, he hasn’t reached that standard. He’s averaging 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists – solid numbers, but well below what Cairns need from one of their marquee signings.

The major concern is his reluctance to score inside the arc. Schofield is shooting just 31.4% from three (33–105), the lowest among players with 80+ attempts, and rarely attacks downhill where his physicality should shine. There is speculation that he’s been carrying an injury, which could explain the dip in aggression – and if that’s the case, it raises further concerns.

There’s still time for the former Orlando Magic forward to bounce back. But as the losses mount, one has to wonder: will the team’s struggles start to take a toll on him too?

– Jai Shadlow