RANKING NBL's NEW IMPORTS (2021-22 SEASON)

With just one month remaining for the start of NBL, there is excitement for a much-anticipated new season, as most of the teams have strengthened their squads and are ready to live up to their high expectations.

Last season, despite some covid-related issues, was a great success and NBL saw teams, like Illawarra Hawks and SE Melbourne Phoenix, reaching the P/O semi-finals and players like Josh Giddey making a big impact, which resulted to his selection in the NBA draft as a lottery pick (no 6). The reigning champs, Melbourne United, led by Jock Landale, managed to win a much-deserved title, after three years, following a solid season.

Regarding the league’s other powerhouses, Perth Wildcats were one step from completing a memorable three-peat, but they lost in the Grand Finals. Finally, Sydney Kings had a rather disappointing season considering their ambitions, partially due to injury trouble (Jarell Martin, Dejan Vasiljevic).

Also, most NBL teams filled their rosters with some high quality import players, who had great performance overall. Tyler Harvey, Keifer Sykes, Justin Simon, John Mooney, Colton Iverson and Vic Law were some of the new faces, who impressed.

Before the start of the new season, we will provide you, in this article, a brief breakdown of this off season’s new imports (non Australian rookies exclusively), by ranking them from 10 to 1, according to their talent, status and anticipated impact to their new teams.

10. XAVIER MUNFORD (USA) 29 yrs old, 1.91 m.

The experienced point guard, after a long career, which includes spells in Europe (Barcelona, Bursaspor) and USA (NBA, G League) is ready for a new adventure in SE Melbourne Phoenix. The task to replace Keifer Syker is not going to be easy, but Munford has the skillset to be the team’s go-to-guy in offense. A good scorer, who can also distribute the ball and act as primary ball handler, Munford seeks consistency in order to lead Phoenix to another good season. Last year, he posted decent numbers at Bursaspor (13.5 pts, shooting on 36.8% behind 3-pt line, 2.7 reb, 0.9 stl, 3.4 ast and 1.6 tov per game) and seems to be a nice fit in the roster with his all-around playing style.

9. TODD WITHERS (USA) 25 yrs old, 2.03 m.   

Withers, an athletic 3&D wing with great physical tools, spent last season in Italy, with famous Fortitudo Bologna, after two years in G League. Despite the team’s ups & downs, following a poor start in the season and Romeo Saccheti’s firing, Withers made his mark and established himself as one of Fortitudo’s top performers. His ability to stretch the floor, while at the same time provide help on defense and rebounds, makes him a very useful forward, who can play either at 3, or 4 position. Adelaide, after Giddey’s departure, will have to adjust to a new reality and the additions of Withers, Dusty Hannahs and top talent Kai Sotto, show that the team can have a successful campaign.

8. CHUANXING LIU (CHINA) 22 yrs old, 2.25 m.

The Chinese big man is ready for his first year outside China, after signing a deal with Brisbane, becoming the tallest player in NBL. His rare combination of mobility, shooting ability and size, makes him an intriguing prospect, with great future ahead of him. As “Big Liu” continues to improve, it is expected that he can make the difference in NBL, in the medium-term, with his unique talent, given that he will adjust to a new continent and different basketball culture. Last year, he shined in CBA, averaging 9.7 pts on 66.7% from the field, 8.3 reb and 1.1 blk.

7. CALEB AGADA (NIGERIA) 27 yrs old, 1.96 m.

Caleb Agada is one of the NBL’s most interesting additions, after his exciting season last year in Israel’s Winner League (top scorer) and his display with Nigeria NT in the Olympic Games. A swingman with great feel for the game, scoring instincts and versatility, Agada is one step away from becoming a dominant player at this level, under the condition that he will improve his shooting consistency from long-range and build a solid 2-way profile, by polishing his defensive approach. His excellent Summer League made him dreaming about a possible NBA contract; however, he will have to wait for this. His current goal is to help Melbourne United retain its title and continue his own development.

6. RJ HUNTER (USA) 28 yrs old, 1.96 m.

A collegiate star at Gerogia State and 1^st rounder at the 2015 NBA Draft (selected by Boston), RJ Hunter has not “translated” his talent and skills to a solid professional career. His lack of physicality and rather one-dimensional playing style did not help him in establishing himself in the NBA and he has been switching teams ever after, trying to find his Ithaca. After a 3-year tenure in G League, he spent two seasons in Turkey with Turk Telekom and Galatasaray with much controversy surrounding him, as far as his performance was concerned. Hunter is a sharpshooter, who can be a constant threat from long-range, but he lacks athleticism, while there is also a big question mark over his defensive ability. His new adventure in NBL with Sydney, gives him extra motivation to prove that he is still a player with high quality, who can be a leader and the Kings are expecting from him … to deliver!

5. ANTONIUS CLEVELAND (USA) 27 yrs old, 1.98 m.

The G/F from Georgia leaves USA for the first time in his career, after reaching NBA status with Atlanta and Dallas during 2018 – 20 and spending most of his time in G League. Cleveland is a very athletic swingman who can score off the dribble and dominate in transition. In a Hawks team with an efficient shooter like Tyler Harvey and a front line, featuring players like Duop Reath and Sam Frolling, Cleveland can be the glue-guy, the missing piece, which is crucial for another successful season. 

4. JOSH ADAMS (USA) 28 yrs old, 1.88 m.

A well-known player to European Basketball, Josh Adams is seeking a new opportunity in NBL. After 5 years in Europe, where he reached Euroleague during 2017 – 18 season (Anadolu Efes), his last season in Italy, with Virtus Bologna, was a total disaster. Sascha Djordjevic could not find a role for him, alongside Teodosic, especially after the rise of youngster Pajola and made him a back-up player with few playing time. His numbers are more than evident, considering that a high-end scorer like him, with double digits in scoring at his entire Euro career, ended the season with just 7 ppg. However, his athleticism and ability in iso make him a must-see player for the new season and a vital part of Tasmania JackJumpers, a newly formed team, which under head coach, Scott Roth, is looking for a good start!   

3. MICHAEL FRAZIER II (USA) 27 yrs old, 1.93 m.

A product of Florida Gators, Frazier II holds the College’s all time record for most 3-pointers, for a single game and a single season. Despite being an early entrant, he was not selected in the 2015 NBA Draft and started his pro career in G League. He played in Italy during season 2016 – 17 (Verona/2nd tier), but had to stay out for a long time, after suffering a serious injury next season, before even appearing in an official game with his new team, Ludwigsburg. His rehabilitation period was long, but Frazier II bounced back. His former coach at Florida, Billy Donovan, gave him a chance at OKC Thunder’s affiliate, OKC Blue. However, Frazier II moved to RGV Vipers, where he had a great spell, by becoming G League champion in 2019! During 2019 – 20 season, he made his debut in NBA, with the Houston Rockets, appearing in 13 RS games with 2.1 ppg. Last season Frazier was a member of G League’s runner-ups, Delaware Blue Coats.

2. PEYTON SIVA (USA) 31 yrs old, 1.91 m.

What can I say about Siva? An NCAA champion with Louisville, a talented PG with clutch and leadership skills, who would have an even better career, if it were not for his injuries… Despite not achieving NBA status on a permanent basis, Siva became a legend in Europe, especially in Alba Berlin, where he stayed for 5 years, winning two championships, becoming Eurocup’s top scorer in 2019 and being one of the most influential players in team’s history. Going to New Zealand for a new challenge, with the Breakers, is bread and butter for a guy like him and I am expecting that once again he will shine. 

1. JAYLEN ADAMS (USA) 25 yrs old, 1.85 m.

Standing at the top of our list, Jaylen Adams, is the new leading guard of ambitious Sydney Kings, who are looking to bounce back this season. After the departure of Casper Ware, the Kings needed a point guard with high quality, who can score and be a floor manager. Adams is ideal for this role, being a great scorer and passer, along with his ability to create shots for himself. Another player with great collegiate career, in St. Bonaventure, he had short spells in NBA, with Atlanta and Milwaukee, before deciding to join Sydney this season, where the expectations will be high. The team thrives with quality (Dejan Vasiljevic, RJ Hunter, Makur Maker, Jarell Martin, Xavier Cooks) and seems one of the season’s hot favorites…