THE National Basketball League (NBL) season is just around the corner, and there have been a number of eye-catching moves in the offseason. After an absorbing season that concluded in May, the competition is gearing up for the 2022/23 fixture, which is set to kick off at the start of October.

The landscape of the competition is set to change when things kick off, with a new batch of contenders making themselves known with some significant moves in the last couple of months. It is unlikely the top four looks the same as it did last year, with a few sides looking to change their fortunes with some seriously big names joining the competition or switching jumpers.

With that in mind, it is time to have a look at some of the signings that are set to have a massive impact on the 2022/23 season.

1. Aron Baynes – Brisbane Bullets

It is no surprise to see Baynes at the top of this list, with the former NBA bigman making his long awaited return to his home shores. After a nasty neck injury during the Tokyo Olympics ruled him out of the most recent season, Baynes returned to the Bullets on a two-year deal and is set to be one of the most dominant big men in the competition if he can stay healthy. With the NBL trending towards a more three-point friendly style of play, Baynes ability to knock down shots from behind the arc will be massive for Brisbane, and we all know how strong he can be in the post. The addition of Baynes completely changes the outlook for the Bullets, and we ca nnot wait to see Baynes combine with the likes of Nathan Sobey in the pick and roll.

2. Rayjon Tucker – Melbourne United

After the loss of star guard Matthew Dellavedova in the offseason, United have managed to fill his shoes in a big way with the addition of NBA talent Tucker, who looks set for a big year. Stints at the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks have seen the shooting guard perform at an elite level, and was even making NBA appearances as recently as a few months ago. He displays a serious level of explosiveness and should be a massive boost for a Melbourne side that is looking to get back into the grand final after a disappointing end to last season. Many NBL pundits already have Tucker as an MVP candidate in their crystal ball predictions, and it is hard to dispute those claims.

3. Antonius Cleveland – Adelaide 36ers

The 36ers were arguably the most active team in the NBL offseason, and were linked to a number of big names, and none were more eye-catching than Cleveland. Joining the competition prior to the start of the 2021/22 season, Cleveland made an immediate impact for the Illawarra Hawks, and quickly became one of the best two-way players the competition has to offer. Fresh off winning the Best Defensive Player award for the NBL, he will combine well with the likes of Daniel Johnson and fellow recruit Robert Franks, making the 36ers one of the most exciting prospects ahead of the upcoming season.