Kane Pitman
Dec 2, 2021, 05:53 PM ET
Here we go. The first edition of ESPN's NBL Player Power Rankings is here for season 2021-22.
These rankings are without doubt going to change throughout the season with the next instalment coming early in the new year.
The preseason rankings are based on the impact I believe these players will have for the upcoming season before transitioning to what we see night in, night out in NBL 22.
Naturally, there will be disagreement, so let me know! What did I get right and what did I get horrifically wrong?
1. Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats)
There can be no dispute at number one.
We are all just thankful NBL 22 tips off with a healthy Cotton on deck for the Wildcats. With a new coach, a new-look roster and some key injuries to start the season, Cotton will be looking to hit the ground running.
2. Tyler Harvey (Illawarra Hawks)
Shouldering a major load last season for Illawarra, Harvey returns to a roster that has the look of a genuine contender.
Head coach Brian Goorjian is excited by the prospect of a bulked up offence and, with the additions of Duop Reath and Xavier Rathan-Mayes among others, so am I.
Harvey averaged 20 points per game last season, but he wasn't the most efficient scorer at times, finishing only 41 percent from the field across his 37 appearances. With more options commanding the respect of the opposition I suspect Harvey could be ready to explode.
3. Chris Goulding (Melbourne United)
An ill-timed hamstring injury has cost Goulding the start of the season, which is a true shame considering it appears he will need to take on further responsibility on a nightly basis from a scoring perspective for the defending champs.
The latest injury report has the United star slated for a return date of around December 12.
4. Zhou Qi (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
Time will tell if this ranking is too high for Zhou Qi, but from the glimpse we saw in the NBL Blitz, it appears he is going to be as dominant as I suspect.
The 7-foot-1 big man has reliable hands, is a good passer for his size and has surprisingly good touch on his shot. The defensive side of the ball is where the Phoenix need the biggest boost, and it's fair to say the rim protection of Zhou Qi should be impactful.
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5. Jarell Martin (Sydney Kings)
If he can stay healthy, I fully expect Martin to be in the MVP conversation on a Kings roster that looks every bit a contender.
A sweet shooter from the outside and ferocious finisher in the paint, Martin is a matchup nightmare.
6. Nathan Sobey (Brisbane Bullets)
Coming off a career-best season in NBL 21, Sobey followed that up with a Bronze medal in Tokyo.
Sobey's ability to score in bunches kept the Bullets in games last season, exploding for 30-plus points on seven separate occasions. Let's see if he can repeat the outburst.
7. Mitch Creek (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
Is there a more dominant player than Creek in transition with a full head of steam?
I'm curious to see how Simon Mitchell fits all the pieces together on a talented South East Melbourne roster but you can expect Creek to fill the box score as per usual.
Creek has made no secret of his motivation after South East Melbourne fell just short against United in the playoffs, so you can expect him to look to make an early statement.
8. Vic Law (Perth Wildcats)
The Wildcats are a bit of an unknown in NBL 22, but you can be sure Vic Law and Cotton will cause havoc as a duo.
With 24 and 28-point games in the Blitz, Law looks in good touch entering the season. What is the over/under for points per game for Law and Cotton? Is 49.5 too conservative?
9. Matthew Dellavedova (Melbourne United)
With Goulding out to begin the season United may need Dellavedova to show an aggressive intent as a scorer. With little basketball under his belt over the last two years, the marquee recruit will be desperate to show what he can still bring to the table.
By his own admission, a prominent role will take some adjustment as he finds his feet outside of the NBA. Matchups with Sydney's Jaylen Adams and South East Melbourne's Xavier Munford to start the season is the perfect way to get things started.
10. Mitch McCarron (Adelaide 36ers)
A humongous loss for Melbourne United. An excellent distributor and elite rebounder for his position, McCarron is constantly on triple-double watch. At times, you almost want to see him put the ball in the bucket a little more because he's so unselfish.
There are two other 36ers in this list and I expect both are very excited about covering the loss of Josh Giddey with a veteran star like McCarron.
11. Daniel Johnson (Adelaide 36ers)
Just so reliable.
Entering his eleventh season with the 36ers, Johnson has career averages of 16.9 points and 7.5 rebounds. Last year, that scoring number bumped up to 19.1 per outing.
12. Ryan Broekhoff (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
The Phoenix say Broekhoff is back.
A 21-point performance on 6-for-8 from three in the Blitz finale against United certainly gives the appearance that Broekhoff is back. If those types of efforts become the norm, you should expect he will make a move up in these rankings next time we convene.
13. Jaylen Adams (Sydney Kings)
Adams is a bucket getter and was my initial pick for MVP (despite the fact the above-mentioned Sydney teammate Jarell Martin is making me re-consider).
Adams put up 20.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists with the G League's Wisconsin Herd under Chase Buford, who is now set the man the sidelines for the Kings.
I think NBL fans are going to enjoy watching Adams as much as any player in the league.
14. Isaac Humphries (Adelaide 36ers)
Humphries was utterly dominant before missing the back end of last season with injury.
For that reason, not having Humphries higher is giving me the most anxiety out of this list of 15. He is No. 1 in my NBL player musician rankings though.
Man, how do you be this good at sport AND music? Ridiculous stuff.
15. Lamar Patterson (Brisbane Bullets)
The Bullets are expecting big things from Patterson, with a return to his MVP best a tantalising prospect for the franchise and new head coach James Duncan.
Brisbane were 3-0 in the preseason with Patterson in the lineup, with the big man finishing 18-for-26 on two-point attempts which gives the impression he might well be on his way back to his unstoppable best...
Next up: Duop Reath (Illawarra Hawks), Xavier Cooks (Sydney), Scott Machado (Cairns Taipans), Finn Delany (New Zealand Breakers)
