AFTER a disappointing campaign last year, the Adelaide 36ers have made some impressive additions ahead of the upcoming National Basketball League (NBL) season.

When healthy, the 36ers’ starting lineup looks up there with the best in the competition, but injury setbacks and coaching turmoil may stand in the way of on-court success at times, and Adelaide may not be the favourite to win it all given the strength of the competition.

However, the 36ers have the potential to make a genuine shot at the championship if they can get a good run of health and find some reliable contributors off the bench.

Adelaide 36ers

Last time around

It was not the campaign the 36ers would have liked in the 2023/24 season, finishing in ninth spot with a record of 12-16, which is not disastrous but given the even nature of the competition throughout the fixture, was not enough to qualify for the play-in.

Adelaide had a coaching change midway through the season, with CJ Bruton parting ways with the club and Scott Ninnis taking over the role. Ninnis kept his team in the hunt for a play-in spot deep into the fixture, but Adelaide fell short and settled for second-last in the standings. However, they pushed some contending sides late in the season, and with their changes over the past few months, will be building for a surge up the standings.

The off-season

The 36ers made some eye-catching moves throughout the off-season, and heightened the expectations ahead of the upcoming fixture. Re-signing big man Isaac Humphries was a key move early in the piece, given how strongly he had performed since moving from Victoria, and how many clubs were chasing his signature.

Then Adelaide looked on the international market, and found some serious gems that gave their starting lineup a massive boost. Firstly, they convinced Jarell Martin to return to the NBL after spending time overseas.

Martin won an NBL championship as a member of the Sydney Kings in 2022, and was a key member of the team’s success in that time. A powerful inside scorer that can crash the glass and brings a plethora of experience, he should combine well with the team’s other pieces. However, he will not be fit for Round 1 and will miss 4-6 weeks as he is battling a right foot injury.

The other key signing for the Sixers was point guard Kendric Davis, who has already lit up the court in exhibition games, posting 25 points against established NBL talent. He looks to be an electric performer for Adelaide and is key to its success.

The off-season was not without controversy for the 36ers, with Ninnis sensationally relieved of his duties just a month out from the season. It was a hugely bold call that would have changed the build up to the season, but Adelaide has stuck by its decision, and now Mike Wells will lead the team for their upcoming campaign.

Predicted starters (when healthy)

Kendric Davis
Dejan Vasiljevic
Sunday Dech
Jarell Martin
Isaac Humphries

One to watch

Davis will be the barometer for the Sixers throughout the 2024/25 season, and he has shown that already in the team’s preseason outings. When he is in form and firing, the point guard is a unique performer, able to break down the defence and create his own shot. He can take his defender off the dribble and once his shots start dropping, it is tough to stop him. If Davis can bring his G-League experience and drop 18-20 points per game, it lifts Adelaide into a higher tier of contender.