Bullets star warns: ‘There’s no ceiling’

Last season, the Brisbane Bullets managed just six wins in the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season. Six rounds into NBL27, they’ve already won four and sit at 4-4.

If that doesn’t tell the story of their progression, just about nothing will.

Will Weaver’s side has dealt with a run of injuries that would derail most teams. Brisbane started the season without Taine Murray and Sam McDaniel, then lost Lithuanian star Arnas Velička to a lower leg injury after five games. Centre pair Tyrell Harrison and Jacob Holt both hurt their ankles in the win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Velička (lower limb) isn’t expected back until Rounds 11–12, while Holt (ankle) and McDaniel (lower leg) are tracking for Round 10.

Despite all of that, star import Nate Hinton says the group has never been tighter.

“Oh, man. We’re stronger than ever right now,” Hinton said on NBL Now.

“We got a whole new group of guys, whole new coaching staff, whole new culture around here. And so, you know, as we’re progressing, as we’re getting better, we’re just doing the things that we need to do.

“Sometimes we just need to change some of the furniture around and go from there.”

The most important new piece of furniture in the past fortnight has been Raul Neto. Brisbane signed the Brazilian two-time Olympian and 464-game NBA veteran as Velička’s injury replacement, and he’s made an immediate impact.

Neto played limited minutes on debut in Tasmania after arriving earlier that week, but still impressed. In his first start against Illawarra on Saturday, he had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists as the Bullets won 98-81 in Wollongong.

“He’s definitely coming in and taking the reins and just being a leader that he is with the experience that he has,” Hinton said.

Weaver says the Bullets’ ability to stand up without key names comes down to the quality of the players they’ve brought in.

“It’s a credit to Archie Woodhill, Raul Neto, Mawot Mag – those guys not signed to a roster anywhere is pretty nuts,” Weaver said.

“I’m grateful to have them for as long as we do, but I appreciate what a rare luxury it is to be able to bring people in after the free agency period ends and you’ve signed your 11, but have them be this quality of player and people.”

Hinton has been the constant through it all. The import is averaging 18.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and a League-leading 2.6 steals per game. He has scored in double figures in all 8 games.

He led the way in Wollongong with 21 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Max Mackinnon added 14 points and 7 rebounds, Harrison returned for 14 points and 8 rebounds, and Woodhill hit both his three-point attempts on his way to 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Hinton says there’s no limit on what this group can achieve once it is back to full strength.

“There’s no ceiling. There’s no cap on what we can do,” Hinton said.

“Our confidence is building every single day. Our faith is building every single day and we’re just continuing to build the culture.”

Brisbane hosts Cairns in an all-Queensland derby on Thursday night from 8pm AEDT, live on ESPN.