NBL preseason: Breaking down three names on the NBA radar
Two names are familiar, but keep an eye on all three in the 2022-23 NBL season ahead.
Following success stories like LaMelo Ball, Torrey Craig, and Josh Giddey, the NBL has proven itself as a legitimate pathway for locals, imports and Next Stars towards the NBA, and scouts likely have one eye on the league. We discuss three names on the NBA radar who featured in recent NBL preseason games, including the 2022 NBL Blitz in Darwin.
Aron Baynes (Brisbane Bullets)
One year on from a horrific spinal cord injury that initially left him wheelchair-bound, the 35 year old Baynes made a triumphant return with a private workout at the Las Vegas Summer League. Now with the Brisbane Bullets, he’s mounting a campaign to eventually play in the NBA again.
Baynes couldn’t have asked for a better debut, logging 14 points and six rebounds in just 13 minutes, while Brisbane beat the New Zealand Breakers 81-69. The lengthy absence did little to dent his confidence - the Big Banger attempted ten field goals in limited court time.
As expected, Baynes did most of his damage down low, and showed impressive touch by unleashing two hook shots with his non-dominant left hand. On one of them he used his size to obtain optimal positioning down low, and there wasn’t much Rob Loe could do about it.
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