Coach: Paul Henare
Who’s gone?
Corey Webster, Akil Mitchell, Paul Carter, Kevin Dillard.
Who’s new?
Devonte Newbill, Edgar Sosa, James Hunter.
Who’s back?
Kirk Penney, Tom Abercrombie, Mika Vukona, Finn Delany, Shea Ili, Alex Pledger, Jordan Ngatai, Rob Loe.
Where will they threaten?
There is plenty of continuity in this side, with the majority of last year’s roster retained.
That should mean team chemistry will be developed, although they will be keen to integrate the two new imports — Newbill and Sosa.
Both look to be quality pick-ups and should add some spark to the backcourt.
Penney and Abercrombie are shooting threats off both the dribble and catch, with Abercrombie arguably becoming the best all-round local on this team. Loe adds another shooting threat, filling the stretch four role and being dangerous off the pick and pop.
In youngsters Ili and Delany, they have a quick point guard and a dynamic swingman, both of whom the side needs production from this year.
Vukona and Penney both bring experience and, while not quite the players they once were, will likely still be valuable.
What do they lack?
Corey Webster was one of the best isolation scorers in the league and, while he may have had his issues off the court, he was a pretty good player on it.
Filling that void will not be easy and it will likely come down to the imports to do it.
The squad may also be a bit light inside and will need Pledger to be a post threat at both ends, although whether he is capable of that will be key.
It will also need Vukona and Penney to be effective, although at 35 and 36 years of age respectively, you wonder how long each can keep going at a high level.
With an import spot still open, it would not be a surprise to see a third arrive at some stage to cover injury or an area in which the side is lacking.
How will they fare?
This team certainly has the ability to make the playoffs, although at this stage it probably falls just short in what will likely be a close race.
Prediction: Sixth.
