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What to look out for for all teams in the NBL 2021 season, which begins on January 15.
A SNAPSHOT OF THE TEAMS IN THE 2021 NBL SEASON
ADELAIDE 36ERS
Last season: 12-16 (7th)
This season: NBA prospect Josh Giddey can make a statement as the 18-year-old pulls the strings in the backcourt alongside American journeyman Donald Sloan, while Daniel Johnson will be a target around the rim.
BRISBANE BULLETS
Last season: 15-13 (5th)
This season: With star man Lamar Patterson linking with the New Zealand Breakers the keys may be handed to sharp-shooting small forward Vic Law, although he could just attract attention away from the dangerous Nathan Sobey. With Will Magnay off the NBA, Harry Froling may consider himself the next big-man up.
CAIRNS TAIPANS
Last season: 16-12 (3rd)
This season: The reduction to two imports meant DJ Newbill was the odd man out of an international trio that lit up the NBL last season. Importantly Scott Machado and Cameron Oliver have returned, while Kouat Noi looms as a breakout star.
THE HAWKS
Last season: 5-23 (9th)
This season: In the post LaMelo Ball era, returning super coach Brian Goorjian looks to be building around Deng Adel. Shooters Tyler Harvey and Justinian Jessup could fill it up and Cameron Bairstow just wants an injury-free campaign.
MELBOURNE UNITED
Last season: 15-13 (4th)
This season: NBA hopeful Jock Landale and new import Scotty Hopson join Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron and David Barlow in a beefed-up roster that could go all the way. Landale lit a fuse during pre-season when he suggested United boast enough talent to go the entire season undefeated.
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
Last season: 15-13 (6th)
This season: Keep an eye on seven-foot import Colton Iverson as he throws his 116kg frame around in an attempt to force the Breakers back into play-off contention. Fellow American and former Brisbane Bullets swingman Lamar Patterson is a key signing.
PERTH WILDCATS
Last season: 19-9 (Champions)
This season: Retaining Bryce Cotton is a massive boost to the Wildcats' chances of winning a third straight NBL title. Damian Martin has retired, leaving long-time servant Jesse Wagstaff to take over as captain.
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
Last season: 9-19 (8th)
This season: The Phoenix had mixed results with imports last year and will be hoping for a better return from Keifer Sykes and Ben Moore. NBA hopeful and MVP candidate Mitch Creek needs more help from his teammates and Dane Pineau is emerging as a genuine force.
SYDNEY KINGS
Last season: 20-8 (Runners-up)
This season: Huge off-season turnover highlighted by the exit of coach Will Weaver and star players Andrew Bogut, Kevin Lisch and Jae'Sean Tate. It leaves star import Casper Ware to lead the Kings with former NBA forward Jarell Martin and Aussie youngster Dejan Vasiljevic.