Expect the unexpected: Walker to "shake up" NBL

Melbourne United have added some serious spark to their roster, locking in explosive import Tyson Walker in a move that signals a bold new direction for Dean Vickerman’s squad ahead of NBL26.

“I think he’s going to complement the new style Melbourne United we’re going to see,” Pete Hooley said on The Marketplace.

“A couple of their stars are getting a little older, and while they’re not slowing down, they also bring in a guy like Milton Doyle who’s a different type of playmaker than they’ve had.

“With Walker now, he can really shake things up. He will be a pest defensively but also get out in transition, and it’s a good complementary piece to add.”

Walker’s arrival adds valuable depth to United’s backcourt, but it also sparks the big question - who will join Doyle and Chris Goulding in the starting five?

“If Shea (Ili) is healthy, you think he’s going to be starting,” Hooley said.

“What he does and what he means to winning, you just can’t put a value on that scoring wise.

“Now he had a couple of knocks in the NZNBL season, which ruled him out of that season… but Shea is so important to everything that Melbourne United do.

“Dean Vickerman isn’t afraid to throw different lineups out there throughout the season. Walker might start some games… but I expect Shea will be their starting point guard if he’s fully fit.”

“With the guard positions full, United will turn their attention to the big hole with their starting big man,” ESPN’s Olgun Uluc said.

“If they can nail that five spot, then not only is that starting group a really high level… but this bench is impressive also.

“You have a lot of guys who have really high floors. Look at Krslovic, Bowen, Krebs, Tommy Wilson, Tyson Walker, these are guys who you know are going to give a certain amount of effort and production that you can rely on.”