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During an interview with Wildcats Media, the 34-year-old, who most recently played in Puerto Rico, explained that he comes to the NBL with an open mind, ready to embrace a new challenge. "I'm not resting on what I've done before," Knight said. "This is a new League with new players and different experiences. "I'm thankful for my [time] in the NBA, but this is a completely different League. "There are a lot of great players in the NBL; the level of basketball is really high, and the players compete hard. "I have to come in with the mentality that nobody cares about what I've done before. It's a new season, and it's time to build something new here in Australia."
Joe Ingles on Cole Anthony: "There is no question in my mind Cole is an NBA player. It is a big situational thing in the NBA. Finding the right organization, the right coach, the right GM, all those different things. There is no question in my mind Cole is an NBA player. Whether it is after this year or whatever time frame that is, Cole will be back in the NBA and he will be playing a big role on an NBA team."
Perth Wildcats: NBA veteran Brandon Knight completes Wildcats roster for NBL27 🤝 The Perth Wildcats have put pen to paper with experienced PG Brandon Knight, pending NBL approval. Knight arrives in Perth with ten years of NBA experience under his belt, most recently averaging 18 points and 6.3 assists per game for Mets de Guaynabo in the Puerto Rican BSN.
It is understood the deal will make Creek the highest-paid Australian basketball player outside of the NBA, with the Horsham-born forward set to begin the next chapter of his career in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ula is no stranger to Australian basketball talent, having had former NBA player and South Sudanese-Australian big man Thon Maker on its roster last season. Maker averaged 14.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in the SBL.
Olgun Uluc: One name to keep an eye on in the Perth Wildcats’ search for an import point guard is Brandon Knight, sources told ESPN. The team had talks with the 6’2 guard - who played 9 years in the NBA - at the deadline last season; word is they’ve shown interest in him leading into #NBL27.
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Olgun Uluc: Multiple NBA teams have representatives in Bendigo for the 2026 NBL Blitz to watch 2027 draft prospect Dash Daniels. I’m told the OKC Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and Houston Rockets are here; the Miami Heat will arrive later in the week.
The NBL wants to trial bold rule changes, including a three-point dunk, in a bid to innovate and attract new eyeballs to the competition. Crosscourt can reveal league powerbrokers have brainstormed a raft of new concepts that they plan to roll out in future games.
NBL officials were on track to unveil the tweaks at this week’s pre-season Blitz in Bendigo but ran out of time to seek approval from the sport’s global body FIBA. Basketball Australia originally endorsed the new rules – which includes player only time-outs and four points from the halfcourt logo – before saying any changes require the green light via FIBA.
Olgun Uluc: Malique Lewis is nearing a deal with the Cairns Taipans, sources told ESPN. Discussions between the Trinidadian forward and Taipans are in the advanced stages; there’s confidence a deal will soon be agreed for #NBL27. Lewis would be an import, and Cairns’ final roster spot.
Australian forward Lachlan Olbrich has signed with Tokyo Alvark in Japan's B.League Premier, he told ESPN. The one-year deal makes Olbrich among the highest-paid imports in the league going into the 2026-27 season, sources told ESPN, and will see the 22-year-old play under new head coach Ryan Richman, who's widely regarded as one of the best young coaches outside the NBA.
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Marc J. Spears: NBA free agent forward Ben Simmons is expected to be a full participant with “zeros restrictions” in a player-led Aussie men’s national team mini-camp in Melbourne beginning Monday, sources to @andscape. Simmons took last season off in hopes of completely healing from injuries. The three-time NBA All-Star paid his own way to the camp. A coach who worked out Simmons recently said he has regained his athleticism. The injury-plagued 30-year-old recently told @andscape this is the best he’s felt in years. He last played with the Nets & Clippers 24-25 season. Sources: Several NBA teams have expressed interest to Simmons’ camp, including one West squad that offered a training camp invite. He is also open to signing a vet minimum contract. Simmons has dreams of playing for Australia during 2028 LA Olympics. Attending mini-camp aids hope.
Melbourne United have locked in the final piece of the team’s roster for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season, securing the signature of 26-year-old star point guard, Cole Anthony. A 367-game NBA veteran entering the prime of his career, Anthony comes to United as one of the most athletic and dynamic guards the NBL will have ever seen.
"I’m super excited to begin this journey with Melbourne United," Anthony said to Melbourne United Media. "This is a great opportunity to continue growing as a player and compete for a championship. I’m ready to get to work and can’t wait to represent the club and meet the fans!"
Melbourne United has added its first import piece for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season with the signing of former NBA big-man Josh Oduro. The 206cm American spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-way contract in the NBA, ultimately suiting up for three games, including one start.