A SNAPSHOT OF THE TEAMS IN THE 2022-23 NBL SEASON:-

ADELAIDE 36ERS:

Last season: 13-23 (7th)

This season: Adelaide have brought together a defensive-orientated squad with the acquisition of last year's defensive player of the year in Antonious Cleveland from Illawarra and Robert Franks from Brisbane. With rim running Daniel Johnson and guard Mitch McCarron on deck, the 36ers look set to bounce back.

BRISBANE BULLETS:

Last season: 10-18 (8th)

This season: Aron Baynes headlines Brisbane's new starting five alongside Bullets journeyman Nathan Sobey and former NBA guard Tyler Johnson. Coach James Duncan is no-nonsense this season, saying players either knuckle down defensively and follow his plan or get benched. "If you want to play then you're going to sit down and guard and get rebounds.There seems to be enough depth that if someone chooses not to do that, they can take a seat besides me. They don't have a choice."

CAIRNS TAIPANS:

Last season: 9-19 (9th)

This season: Coach Adam Forde will have the exciting Tahjere McCall at his disposal once again but his back-court partner from last year Scott Machado has moved on. Last year's rookie of the year Bul Kuol will haunt teams from behind the arc while the 2021 most improved player Keanu Pinder is a walking highlight reel.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS:

Last season: 19-9 (2nd)

This season: Jacob Jackomas steps up to the helm of the Hawks replacing legendary coach Brian Goorjian. With Antonious Cleveland departing, the Hawks will rely heavily on Tyler Harvey's leadership and scoring in 2022-23.

MELBOURNE UNITED:

Last season: 20-8 (1st)

This season: Chris Goulding and Rayjon Tucker headline the reigning minor premier's squad. Tucker replaces Matthew Dellavedova (Sacramento Kings) at guard while Isaac Humphries will play longer minutes after Ariel Hukporti suffered an achilles injury in the recent NBL Blitz.

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS:

Last season: 5-23 (10th)

This season: The Breakers said goodbye to Hugo Besson and Ousmane Dieng to the NBA in the offseason, but welcome 11-year veteran Cameron Gliddon to the club. Last year's wooden-spooners are back in New Zealand for home games in what will be a massive boost for their players and fans.

PERTH WILDCATS:

Last season: 16-12 (5th)

This season: Australian sporting history was made last year when the Wildcats missed the post-season for the first time in 35 years. With new coach John Rillie at the helm and the playoffs expanding, don't count the Wildcats out from bouncing back in immaculate fashion.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX:

Last season: 15-13 (6th)

This season: Towering shot blocker Zhou Qi is back for the Phoenix and will pair with former NBA big Alan Williams in the front court. The Phoenix lost eight of their final 14 games last season but have a playoff roster capable of beating anyone on their day.

SYDNEY KINGS:

Last season: 19-9 (3rd)

This season: MVP Jaylen Adams has moved on after the Kings trumped Tasmania in the finals. Look out for Derrick Walton Jr and Xavier Adams in the pick-and-roll and sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic waiting in the corners. Walton Jr is a certified floor-general that can score and pass. The Kings' offence is in good hands.

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS:

Last season: 17-11 (4th)

This season: What a ride it was for Scott Roth's team in 2021-22 with the JackJumpers making the NBL finals in their first season. Can they fight their way back? That question remains. Losing guard Josh Adams hurts but fellow American Josh Magette is back for another year. The health of big man Will Magnay will be imperative to their defence in 2022-23.