NBLxNBA Links Grow

There will be a strong NBL showing this NBA season, headlined by the debuts of Jack White and Ousmane Dieng, the return of Matthew Dellavedova and the anticipation around Josh Giddey’s second year.

Eleven former NBL players will be suiting up for teams across the association and the connection extends to the sidelines with nine NBA assistant coaches with NBL experience.

White has joined the Denver Nuggets after a strong campaign with Melbourne United, and the Traralgon native has impressed in the Summer League and throughout the preseason.

Dieng joined a growing list of NBL Next Stars to progress to the NBA when he was selected with the 11^th pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The French sensation will team up with another former Next Star, Giddey. After making the NBA All-Rookie Second Team last season, Giddey is expected to take another leap. 

Dellavedova is back, this time with Sacramento, after he helped lead United to the Semi-Finals. The 32-year-old reunites with coach Mike Brown, who recruited him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013.

NBLxNBA connections

Players
Patty Mills – Brooklyn Nets/Melbourne Tigers
Joe Ingles - Milwaukee Bucks/South Dragons
LaMelo Ball - Charlotte Hornets/Illawarra Hawks
RJ Hampton - Orlando Magic/NZ Breakers
Jack White - Denver Nuggets/Melbourne United
Ousmane Dieng - OKC Thunder/NZ Breakers
Josh Giddey - OKC Thunder/Adelaide 36ers
Jock Landale - Phoenix Suns/Melbourne United
Torrey Craig - Phoenix Suns/Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans
Matthew Dellavedova - Sacramento Kings/Melbourne United
Jae'Sean Tate - Houston Rockets/Sydney Kings

Assistant Coaches
Adam Caporn - Brooklyn Nets/Perth Wildcats
Trevor Gleeson - Toronto Raptors/Perth Wildcats
Damian Cotter - Chicago Bulls/Sydney Kings
Mike Dunlap - Milwaukee Bucks/Adelaide 36ers
Jamahl Mosley - Orlando Magic/Victoria Titans
Phil Handy - LA Lakers/Melbourne Tigers, West Sydney Razorbacks
Chris Jent - LA Lakers/North Melbourne Giants
Matt Nielsen - San Antonio Spurs/Sydney Kings, Perth Wildcats
Brett Brown - San Antonio Spurs/Sydney Kings