NBL Free Agent list updated 31/3/17
CONTRACTED
UNCONTRACTED
- Adam Doyle
- Terrance Ferguson
- Matthew Hodgson
- Eric Jacobsen
- Jerome Randle
- Nathan Sobey (Player Option not taken)
Free Agency Thoughts – Having their captain, the reigning Rookie of the Year and an All-NBL First Teamer already signed to the club is a great start for the minor premiers. Nathan Sobey is going to command a much bigger paycheck than last season and reigning MVP Jerome Randle already has vultures from other teams circling. Succeeding in getting one of those players to return would be a victory as both Sobey and Randle will be approached by all 7 other NBL teams this off-season without doubt. A new owner with a savvy business ethic makes it appear that cost-cutting with imports won’t be something the team MUST do this season which is exciting. I think when the dust settles Adelaide may lost a number of players from it’s current roster but overall will put together a more well rounded and successful team on court.
CONTRACTED
- Cameron Bairstow (Player Option taken)
- Shaun Bruce
- Torrey Craig
- Adam Gibson
- Tom Jervis
- Matt Kenyon
- Daniel Kickert (Player Option taken)
- Anthony Petrie
- Reuben Te Rangi
- Mitch Young
UNCONTRACTED
Thoughts – The Bullets have the most players under contract out of any team in the league so don’t expect much change for the team that finished last in season 16/17. It’s great to see Cam Bairstow coming back, and hopefully, he will be 100% healthy by the time the next season rolls around. Jeremy Kendle would be a plus if he returns, and Jermaine Beal won’t be a massive loss assuming they don’t retain him.
CONTRACTED
- Cameron Gliddon
- Nathan Jawai
- Alex Loughton
- Mitch McCarron
- Jarrad Weeks
- Stephen Weigh
UNCONTRACTED
Thoughts – With Mark Worthington retiring, the Taipans are going to need to replace him with his ilk of big man facilitator who was integral to their success (he was first in front court players for assists per game with 3.3). Other than that, Cairns have a solid base to move forward, but they need offence which is why re-signing Travis Trice, or capturing someone of his calibre, will be paramount.
CONTRACTED
- Rotnei Clarke (Team Option taken)
- Cody Ellis
- Nick Kay
- Rhys Martin
- Mitch Norton
- AJ Ogilvy
- Kevin White
UNCONTRACTED
Thoughts – All-NBL First Team player? Check. Sixth Man of the Year and a guy we named in the top five imports this season? Check. Potential All-NBL player and rock solid starter? Check. Seasoned veteran and quality ball general? Check. For a team that made it to the Grand Final, the Hawks are well and truly ready for next season. They need more size and to round out the roster but to already have this kind of talent before free agency starts is a great luxury.
CONTRACTED
UNCONTRACTED
- David Barlow
- Todd Blanchfield
- Josh Boone
- Cedric Jackson
- Lasan Kromah
- Bennie Lewis
- Ramone Moore
- Owen Odigie (Team Option not taken)
- Nate Tomlinson
- Casper Ware
- Devin Williams
Thoughts – After a rollercoaster season in 2016-17, a bit of consistency would be highly sought from Melbourne. A fun time wasn’t had by all and that showed with Todd Blanchfield up and leaving Melbourne for interstate rival Sydney at the first chance he could. If you’re only going to have two players under contract it’s best if they both played in Olympic competition within the past 6 months. Only Chris Goulding and David Andersen remain under contract but thats as good as place as any to build a team around. We know the front office at Melbourne have perhaps deeper pockets than others but will this be the year we see that bring post-season success? If United can bring back Casper Ware and Josh Boone, it would go a long way to being a successful offseason and would help continue the upward momentum of basketball in Melbourne.
CONTRACTED
UNCONTRACTED
- Paul Carter
- Kevin Dillard
- Rob Loe
- Akil Mitchell
- Jordan Ngatai
- David Stockton
- Isaih Tueta
- Corey Webster
- Ben Woodside
Thoughts – There is a lot of talent on that second list for the Breakers, and most (or something similar) must be retained for New Zealand to join the playoff hunt. Kirk Penney and Mika Vukona are 36 and 34 years of age respectively, and those aging legs can only take them so far. This team needs a shot of youth and excitement like what the Run DMC trio of Kevin Dillard, Akil Mitchell and Paul Carter exhibited at the tail end of last season to keep the cogs moving. One player that will be exciting to watch next season will be Finn Delany who showed flashes of potential and will be another year older and wiser for their next campaign.
CONTRACTED
UNCONTRACTED
- Bryce Cotton
- Jackson Hussey
- Andre Ingram
- Jaron Johnson
- Jameel McKay
- Casey Prather
- Shawn Redhage
- Lucas Walker
Thoughts – The Wildcats have always prided themselves on consistency, and they’ve got plenty of long standing Cats already on the roster. Perth is a fantastic free agent location, especially if a player gets to suit up alongside Damian Martin, Matty Knight, and Jesse Wagstaff. Their imports were the best in the league last season so re-signing or adding comparable talent will go a long way for this team’s three-peat aspirations.
CONTRACTED
UNCONTRACTED
- Steve Blake
- Michael Bryson
- Jeromie Hill
- Garrett Jackson
- Julian Khazzouh
- Aleks Maric (Team Option not taken)
- Craig Moller
- Josh Powell
- Dion Prewster
- Greg Whittington
Thoughts – This squad had the most talent on paper in the whole league last season. Unfortunately, that didn’t equate to wins as the right fit and chemistry just weren’t there in the back end of the schedule. It’s surprising to see Aleks Maric’s team option wasn’t taken as he was an integral part of the Kings’ winning streak. Having Jason Cadee, Kevin Lisch and Brad Newley already locked up shows that Sydney will probably splash the cash on some quality big men to start free agency.
Kyle has barracked for the North Melbourne Giants, Victoria Titans, Victoria Giants and the South Dragons. He's hoping the Melbourne United don't fold like the rest of them
