NBL coach sidelined by health scare as import\u2019s strange exit raises eyebrows<\/a><\/p>\nIt\u2019s a massive Round 7 for last season\u2019s champions.<\/p>\n
3rd | PERTH WILDCATS (5-2) | +1<\/p>\n
Elijah Pepper of the Wildcats celebrates winning the round six NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United at RAC Arena, on October 23, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
One of just four teams with at least five wins and only two losses, the Perth Wildcats continue to build momentum and move up to third in this week\u2019s Power Rankings.<\/p>\n
Sitting second on the standings, Perth have won four of their past five games, with their only defeat during that stretch coming against the Sydney Kings.<\/p>\n
And they\u2019re doing it without star big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.<\/p>\n
Their sole Round 6 appearance saw them host Melbourne United, escaping with a gutsy 103-102 victory behind another impressive performance from Kristian Doolittle.<\/p>\n
Brandon Knight of the Wildcats goes to the basket during the round six NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United at RAC Arena, on October 23, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
The forward finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, continuing to strengthen his case for inclusion in the early MVP discussions.<\/p>\n
Elijah Pepper also returned to form after going scoreless against the Kings, adding 22 points, but it was Brandon Knight who emerged as the hero.<\/p>\n
The former NBA guard knocked down the game-winning shot in front of the Red Army, finishing with 20 points in his best performance since joining the Wildcats.<\/p>\n
However, there are some underlying concerns that could become more apparent as the season progresses.<\/p>\n
For starters, Perth have benefited from a favourable schedule, playing six of their opening seven games at RAC Arena. They\u2019re the only team in the competition to have played just one game away from home.<\/p>\n
And while their offence has been impressive, their defence remains a genuine concern.<\/p>\n
The Wildcats rank fourth in offensive rating (119.5), but their defensive rating of 122.5 is the second-worst in the competition.<\/p>\n
Dylan Windler of the Wildcats drives to the key against Luke Travers of Melbourne United during the round six NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United at RAC Arena, on October 23, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Their offence is strong enough to compete with the league\u2019s best, but without Lual-Acuil Jr protecting the paint, their inability to consistently defend the rim could become a major issue.<\/p>\n
For now, they can only play the schedule they\u2019re handed, and they\u2019ll have their fair share of road games in the second half of the season.<\/p>\n
Their attention now turns to hosting both the Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks in Round 7.<\/p>\n
A 2-0 result would give Perth one of their strongest starts to a season under John Rillie.<\/p>\n
4th | MELBOURNE UNITED (4-5) | +2<\/p>\n
Cole Anthony of United reacts with David Bowen, Assistant Coach during the round six NBL match between Melbourne United and Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena, on October 25, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Melbourne United are coming off their biggest win of the season, and it might be exactly what they needed to get things moving in the right direction.<\/p>\n
Before their clash with Sydney, United had suffered consecutive defeats to Illawarra and Perth by two points or fewer, showing they weren\u2019t far away from turning competitive performances into victories.<\/p>\n
It was simply a matter of executing when it mattered most.<\/p>\n
Jacob Chance, Coach of United gives instructions during the round six NBL match between Melbourne United and Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena, on October 25, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
And against the reigning champions, they did exactly that.<\/p>\n
United walked away with a 10-point victory, led by Cole Anthony, who produced the best performance of his short NBL career.<\/p>\n
Playing more than 30 minutes for the first time this season, Anthony finished with 30 points, six rebounds and nine assists, shooting 10-22 from the field.<\/p>\n
Joe Ingles of United reacts during the round six NBL match between Melbourne United and Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena, on October 25, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Although he still picked up four personal fouls, the former NBA guard is clearly learning from his previous outings and gradually adjusting to the league.<\/p>\n
If he can maintain this form, there\u2019s every chance he could emerge as the competition\u2019s leading scorer. Right now, he\u2019s beginning to make it look effortless.<\/p>\n
As a team, United\u2019s biggest strength remains their defence.<\/p>\n
They possess the second-best defensive rating in the league (112.8), while their ability to generate free throws has also been a major weapon, leading the competition with 26.1 attempts per game.<\/p>\n
However, their perimeter shooting continues to be an issue.<\/p>\n
United are shooting just 31.7% from beyond the arc, making only 73 three-pointers across nine games, the fewest per game in the competition.<\/p>\n
Josh Oduro of United thanks fans during the round six NBL match between Melbourne United and Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena, on October 25, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
For now, their defence is doing much of the heavy lifting.<\/p>\n
Head coach Jacob Chance is also finding his feet in the league, and as one of the competition\u2019s youngest coaches, he\u2019s developing alongside his roster.<\/p>\n
If United can build on their statement victory over Sydney, they could quickly emerge as one of the most dangerous teams in the competition.<\/p>\n
They now look towards a Round 7 fixture against the Cairns Taipans and the New Zealand Breakers. <\/p>\n
5th | SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (4-5) | +2<\/p>\n
Josh King, head coach of the Phoenix speaks to the team during the round six NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
After a disappointing start to the season, the South East Melbourne Phoenix are beginning to string together wins and build momentum, fresh off a historic shooting performance against the Adelaide 36ers.<\/p>\n
The Phoenix had just one game in Round 6, dismantling Adelaide 108-94 after shooting an incredible 18-38 (47%) from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n
At one stage, they had made their first 10 three-point attempts of the contest.<\/p>\n
However, it wasn\u2019t all smooth sailing.<\/p>\n
Nathan Sobey of the Phoenix drives to the basket under pressure from Mangok Mathaing of the 36ers during the round six NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Despite building a lead of as many as 30 points, the Phoenix nearly squandered their advantage, allowing Adelaide to close the gap to just eight before eventually pulling away.<\/p>\n
Angus Glover was outstanding from deep, knocking down six three-pointers, while import D\u2019Shawn Schwartz produced his best performance of the season with 20 points on 7-11 shooting.<\/p>\n
That victory further strengthened South East Melbourne\u2019s underlying numbers.<\/p>\n
They now possess the third-best net rating in the league (+4.8), while their second unit is among the competition\u2019s most productive, averaging 35.6 bench points per game.<\/p>\n
However, their overall shooting remains a concern.<\/p>\n
Despite their incredible performance against Adelaide, the Phoenix are still shooting a league-worst 43.5% from the field.<\/p>\n
D’Shawn Schwartz of the Phoenix prepares to shoot a free throw during the round six NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
They need to find greater consistency offensively, but their ability to protect the ball and generate extra possessions is keeping them competitive.<\/p>\n
Their next challenge comes against the ladder-leading Tasmania JackJumpers, and it\u2019s a match-up that could favour the Phoenix.<\/p>\n
Tasmania have allowed opponents to shoot 37.0% from beyond the arc, one of the worst defensive marks in the competition.<\/p>\n
Dash Daniels of the Phoenix celebrates a three pointer during the round six NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
If South East Melbourne can carry their shooting form into that contest, they could cause some serious problems.<\/p>\n
For now, Josh King and his team are slowly building towards the level many expected from them during the pre-season.<\/p>\n
6th | NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS (4-5) | -3<\/p>\n
Parker Jackson-Cartwright of the Breakers in action during the round six NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 25, 2026, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a significant drop for the New Zealand Breakers, who fall three places in this week\u2019s Power Rankings and currently sit eighth on the NBL standings.<\/p>\n
However, with just one game separating several teams in the middle of the pack, ladder positions don\u2019t necessarily tell the full story.<\/p>\n
Despite losing three of their past four games, including one without head coach Gordon Herbert, the Breakers remain competitive.<\/p>\n
Dejan Vasiljevic of the Breakers drives up court during the round six NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 25, 2026, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve also been dealt a difficult hand with injuries.<\/p>\n
Star point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright missed several games before returning in their latest defeat to Cairns, while import Josiah-Jordan James remains sidelined as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n
Their schedule hasn\u2019t made life any easier, either.<\/p>\n
No team has played more games away from home, with the Breakers travelling for seven of their opening nine contests.<\/p>\n
Parker Jackson-Cartwright of the Breakers looks to pass during the round six NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 25, 2026, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Yet despite those challenges, their advanced metrics remain among the best in the competition.<\/p>\n
New Zealand lead the league in three-point percentage (41.5%) and rank third in both effective field goal percentage (58.0%) and true shooting percentage (60.1%).<\/p>\n
They\u2019re also one of just five teams with a positive net rating (+3.3).<\/p>\n
The biggest issues? Turnovers and free throws.<\/p>\n
The Breakers are shooting a league-worst 66.1% from the charity stripe and have the highest turnover percentage in the competition (14.4%).<\/p>\n
Both areas have arguably cost them opportunities to turn close games into victories.<\/p>\n
Against Cairns, they were well within reach of another win, but their lack of available players and the absence of Herbert made an already difficult task even harder.<\/p>\n
Sam Mennenga continued his outstanding season with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Charles Bediako produced his best performance of the campaign, recording a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double.<\/p>\n
Do not rule the Breakers out just yet.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re a much better team than their eighth-place standing suggests, and once they return to full strength, we might finally see their true potential.<\/p>\n
Round 7 presents another major test, with New Zealand hosting the Adelaide 36ers before travelling to face Melbourne United.<\/p>\n
Two massive games await.<\/p>\n
7th | CAIRNS TAIPANS (5-4) | +1<\/p>\n
Luke Paul of the Taipans is seen after winning the round six NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 25, 2026, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
The Cairns Taipans continue their climb up the Power Rankings, moving up one spot after another impressive victory.<\/p>\n
Sitting fourth on the NBL standings with a 5-4 record, Cairns are one of the competition\u2019s hottest teams, having won four of their past five games.<\/p>\n
However, their underlying statistics paint a very different picture and could become a major issue if they aren\u2019t addressed.<\/p>\n
The return of Jaylin Galloway was a huge boost for the Taipans, with the former Sydney King making both his Cairns and season debut in their thrilling 86-84 victory over New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Galloway finished with 18 points and six assists, providing another scoring option alongside Jack McVeigh as the Taipans continue to build momentum.<\/p>\n
Jaylin Galloway of the Taipans lines up a free throw during the round six NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 25, 2026, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
With a 4-1 record across their past five games, some might question why Cairns are only seventh in these rankings.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a fair question, but the advanced metrics suggest there\u2019s still plenty of room for improvement.<\/p>\n
Cairns rank last in offensive rating (111.1), while their rebound percentage of 43.3% is comfortably the worst in the league.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve shown they can compete and generate defensive plays, but their inability to consistently secure rebounds remains a significant concern.<\/p>\n
Another worrying trend is their reliance on perimeter shooting.<\/p>\n
Across their five victories, the Taipans are averaging 41.9% from beyond the arc. In their four defeats, that number drops dramatically to just 24.7%.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a significant difference and suggests that when opponents successfully limit their three-point opportunities, Cairns struggle to find alternative ways to score.<\/p>\n
There are positives, though.<\/p>\n
Jaylin Galloway of the Taipans is seen after winning the round six NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 25, 2026, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
The Taipans rank third in free-throw percentage (76.9%), while their 68 steals and 44 blocks give them the highest combined average of steals and blocks in the competition.<\/p>\n
Their recent results have been encouraging, particularly with Galloway now in the line-up, but their overall points percentage of 93.7% is the second-worst in the league, ahead of only Illawarra.<\/p>\n
And while their victory over New Zealand gives them a strong case to be ranked higher, the underlying numbers are what separate these teams.<\/p>\n
Keanu Pinder of the Taipans is seen with Head coach Adam Forde and his son after winning the round six NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 25, 2026, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
For now, Cairns remain seventh, but another strong round could change that quickly.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ll face both the Brisbane Bullets and Melbourne United in Round 7, two opportunities to prove their recent form is sustainable.<\/p>\n
8th | BRISBANE BULLETS (4-4) | +1<\/p>\n
Bullets players celebrate after victory during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Will Weaver and the Brisbane Bullets continue to alternate between wins and losses, struggling to find consistency since opening their season with a 2-0 record.<\/p>\n
They currently sit fifth on the NBL standings with a 4-4 record and a modest points percentage of 98.1%, all while dealing with a growing injury list.<\/p>\n
Arnas Veli\u010dka, Sam McDaniel and Jacob Holt remain sidelined, forcing Weaver to adjust his rotations and rely heavily on his available players.<\/p>\n
Nate Hinton of the Bullets celebrates after victory during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
However, the arrival of temporary replacement Raul Neto has breathed some much-needed life into the squad.<\/p>\n
The former NBA guard has brought experience and composure to a roster desperately searching for stability in Veli\u010dka\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n
Brisbane split their Round 6 fixtures, suffering a heavy defeat to Tasmania without big man Tyrell Harrison, who was nursing an ankle injury.<\/p>\n
They responded with an important victory over the struggling Illawarra Hawks, led by another strong performance from import Nate Hinton.<\/p>\n
The American finished with 21 points, three rebounds and six assists, continuing his impressive debut season while leading the competition in steals.<\/p>\n
Neto has also made an immediate impact.<\/p>\n
Across his opening two games, he\u2019s averaging 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists, missing just one field goal attempt while shooting an incredible 9-10 (90%) from the field.<\/p>\n
Will Weaver, head coach of the Bullets looks on during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
The Bullets\u2019 advanced statistics reveal a team with clear strengths, but equally obvious weaknesses.<\/p>\n
They lead the league in rebound percentage (55.6%) and points in the paint (50.3 per game), making them one of the most physically imposing teams in the competition.<\/p>\n
Around the basket, Brisbane are difficult to contain, but beyond the perimeter, it\u2019s an entirely different story.<\/p>\n
Nate Hinton of the Bullets is interviewed after victory during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
They\u2019re shooting a league-worst 30.2% from three-point range, while their 54.4% true shooting percentage also ranks last.<\/p>\n
That lack of perimeter shooting makes them easier to defend, with opponents able to focus more attention on Brisbane\u2019s interior scoring.<\/p>\n
The Bullets have the physical presence to compete with most teams, but they need to find more consistent scoring from outside.<\/p>\n
For now, eighth is a fair reflection of their overall performances, but with the competition so tightly contested, even small improvements could make a significant difference.<\/p>\n
They now prepare for a Round 7 double-header, hosting the Cairns Taipans before travelling to South Australia to face the struggling Adelaide 36ers.<\/p>\n
A 2-0 result would be massive for Weaver and his team.<\/p>\n
9th | ADELAIDE 36ERS (4-5) | -4<\/p>\n
Bryce Cotton of the 36ers looks on during the round six NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Things are not okay in Adelaide.<\/p>\n
Last season\u2019s championship runners-up have lost all momentum following a promising two-game winning streak, with their latest defeat to South East Melbourne raising further questions about the direction of this talented roster.<\/p>\n
The 36ers fell 108-94 to the Phoenix in a contest that was effectively decided by halftime, despite a valiant second-half comeback that briefly gave them hope.<\/p>\n
Yannis Morin of the Phoenix dunks under pressure from Mangok Mathaing of the 36ers during the round six NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
And while injuries have played a major role in their struggles, the pressure is beginning to mount.<\/p>\n
Despite pre-season discussions suggesting six-time MVP Bryce Cotton would play reduced minutes this season, the injury to Flynn Cameron has forced head coach Trevor Gleeson to lean heavily on his superstar guard.<\/p>\n
Cotton leads the league in minutes per game (37.7) and is coming off his first 40-minute appearance of the season against the Phoenix.<\/p>\n
He finished with 37 points, four rebounds and eight assists, shooting 13-29 from the field and 3-13 from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n
But even with Cotton producing at an elite level, Adelaide continue to struggle.<\/p>\n
The club could soon face some difficult decisions, particularly surrounding import John Jenkins, who hasn\u2019t delivered the level of production expected from an import signing.<\/p>\n
Known for his three-point shooting, Jenkins has attempted 64 triples this season, the second-most on the team behind Cotton, but is converting just 26.6% of them.<\/p>\n
Against the Phoenix, he managed only two points on 1-5 shooting, taking his season averages to 10.4 points on 34.1% shooting from the field.<\/p>\n
However, the blame can\u2019t be placed solely on one player.<\/p>\n
Bryce Cotton of the 36ers high fives teammates during the round six NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Adelaide are battling injuries, and Gleeson has been forced to dig deeper into his rotations than initially expected.<\/p>\n
Their defensive numbers are also a major concern.<\/p>\n
The 36ers rank third-worst in defensive rating (122.0), while their net rating of -4.4 highlights the gap between their offensive talent and overall performance.<\/p>\n
They remain competitive offensively and generally protect the ball well, but their inability to consistently get stops is costing them games.<\/p>\n
The recent signing of Mangok Mathiang should provide some much-needed frontcourt depth, but his arrival alone is unlikely to transform Adelaide into a championship contender.<\/p>\n
The bigger questions surround the return of Cameron and Kuol.<\/p>\n
Will their availability provide the spark this team desperately needs, or are more significant changes required?<\/p>\n
Zylan Cheatham of the 36ers reacts after drawing a foul from souring the round six NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
They now travel to New Zealand to face the Breakers before returning home to host Brisbane.<\/p>\n
An 0-2 round would spell disaster, but this roster is simply too talented to continue underperforming.<\/p>\n
10th | ILLAWARRA HAWKS (2-8) | \u2013<\/p>\n
Hawks head coach Justin Tatum looks on during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Is the season over? No.<\/p>\n
Is it hanging on for dear life? Absolutely.<\/p>\n
The Illawarra Hawks are comfortably the worst-performing team in the competition right now, and their season continues to spiral in the wrong direction.<\/p>\n
Daniel Grida of the Hawks drives to the basket during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Round 6 brought two more disappointing defeats, this time against the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets, with the Hawks losing by a combined 43 points.<\/p>\n
There are several areas of concern, but one of the biggest talking points remains their imports.<\/p>\n
Milton Doyle and new arrival Kelan Martin endured a round to forget, combining for just 16 points across two games while shooting a disastrous 6-31 (19.3%) from the field.<\/p>\n
Milton Doyle of the Hawks warms up during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
That\u2019s simply not good enough from two players expected to carry a significant portion of the offensive load.<\/p>\n
Head coach Justin Tatum has been adamant that he wants to see improvement from his current roster before considering using the club\u2019s third import slot.<\/p>\n
But how much longer can they afford to wait?<\/p>\n
Todd Blanchfield of the Hawks celebrates a basket during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
And with their season already slipping away, would another import even be enough to turn things around?<\/p>\n
Illawarra are comfortably last in defensive rating (128.4) and have the worst net rating in the league by a Flemington straight (-12.1).<\/p>\n
They\u2019re conceding a competition-high 105.1 points per game, while opponents are shooting 50.5% from the field, also the worst defensive mark in the NBL.<\/p>\n
There are some positives, although they\u2019re becoming increasingly difficult to find.<\/p>\n
The Hawks lead the league in bench scoring (41.2 points per game) and rank third in points in the paint (46.8).<\/p>\n
However, their rotations aren\u2019t producing the desired results, and questions remain over how certain players are being used.<\/p>\n
Hawks head coach Justin Tatum looks on during the round six NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Brisbane Bullets at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, on October 24, 2026, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Dan Grida, who has recorded a remarkable +157 On\/Off court differential, continues to receive inconsistent minutes despite his impact when on the court.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s clearly talent within this roster, but right now, very little is working.<\/p>\n
Similar to Adelaide, the Hawks have some difficult conversations and decisions ahead if they want to salvage their season.<\/p>\n
Their next challenge comes against one of the league\u2019s hottest teams, travelling to Western Australia to face the Perth Wildcats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Six rounds into the NBL27 season, and the league is starting to take shape, with some contenders failing…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":941282,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[574],"tags":[64,63,726,85],"class_list":["post-941281","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-basketball","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-basketball","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/941281","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=941281"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/941281\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/941282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=941281"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=941281"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=941281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"Scott](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/df11c4ac1c2588a7983e8da5238c043b.jpeg\")
Scott Roth Head Coach of the JackJumpers reacts during the round six NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Brisbane Bullets at MyState Bank Arena, on October 21, 2026, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n