NBL rivals plot powerful Perth's downfall

But how will it translate into on-court success against powerhouse teams like NBL champions Perth?

Mercury basketball writer TIM KEEBLE looks into his crystal ball to forecast the upcoming season.

ADELAIDE 36ERS

Coach: Joey Wright

Team: Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, Luke Schenscher, Mitch Creek, Brendan Teys, Daequon Montreal, Peter Crawford, Jamar Wilson, BJ Anthony, Tom Daly

Last year: Second (18-10)

2014-15 tip: Equal fifth (13-15)

If bookmakers are right, the 36ers will become the first team in NBL history to go from wooden spooners to grand finalists back to wooden spooners in three years. The Sixers seemingly returned to respectability last season, but bookies have them a distant last in betting markets after the club parted with Gary Ervin, Daniel Johnson and Jason Cadee in the off-season. That low ranking is way off. While they might not match last year's winning record, the Sixers won't be anywhere near as bad as many pundits predict. The ultra-competitive Wright won't allow it.

CAIRNS TAIPANS

Coach: Aaron Fearne

Team: Corey Maynard, Craig Torrey, Cameron Gliddon, Scottie Wilbekin, Shaun Bruce, Mitch Young, Cam Tragardh, Matt Burston, Stephen Weigh, Alex Loughton

Last year: Equal fifth (12-16)

2014-15 tip: Equal third (14-14)

Fearne always seems to have a roster capable of top-four finishes, yet the Taipans usually find a way to under-achieve and miss the finals by one or two wins. This season is no different in terms of his team's talent and depth - and Fearne might hear it from Cairns fans if they fall short of the playoffs again. The Taipans have upgraded in the point guard position with Wilbekin and Tragardh is over last season's injury problems. It'll go down to the wire but this team should at least make the semi-finals.

MELBOURNE UNITED

Coach: Chris Anstey

Team: Stephen Dennis, Darryl Corletto, Nate Tomlinson, Lucas Walker, Greg Page, Daniel Kickert, Owen Odigie, Dave Barlow, Mark Worthington, Auryn McMillan, Jordan McRae

Last season: Third (15-13 as Tigers)

2014-15 tip: Second (16-12)

Chris Goulding's departure to Europe can't be under-estimated, but the arrival of Aussies Barlow and Kickert is a big plus for the team formerly known as the Melbourne Tigers. Dennis and McRae are rated among the league's top import duos, while Walker, Tomlinson, Corletto and Worthington ensure Anstey will have a deep bench. Club officials are confident they have assembled a team capable of winning a championship. Such expectations are understandable if everything clicks and they peak at the right time.

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS

Coach: Dean Vickerman

Team: Cedric Jackson, Reuben Te Rangi, Corey Webster, Tom Abercrombie, Duane Bailey, Mika Vukona, Rhys Carter, Ekene Ibekwe, Alex Pledger, Tai Wesley

Last season: Seventh (11-17)

2014-15 tip: Equal fifth (13-15)

One CJ left, while another CJ returned. As much as the Breakers will miss retired guard CJ Bruton's leadership and clutch three-point shooting, they have reacquired an all-round match-winner in Jackson. The 28-year-old guard played in Europe last year. The previous year he was the runaway winner of the NBL MVP award, leading the Breakers to the title and finishing first in assists, first in steals and among the top five scorers. As long as Jackson is around, the Breakers can't be written off.

PERTH WILDCATS

Coach: Trevor Gleeson

Team: Jermaine Beal, DeAndre Daniels, Greg Hire, Damian Martin, Shawn Redhage, Jesse Wagstaff, Tom Jervis, Matt Knight, Earnest Ross, Drake U'u

Last season: First (21-7)

2014-15 tip: First (18-10)

Losing James Ennis in the off-season to the Miami Heat might take a little getting used to, but a team effectively playing with three imports shouldn't have much trouble coping. Beal is back for another season with the reigning champions, while Daniels was drafted 37th in the June NBA Draft by Toronto after winning a national college title with the University of Connecticut. The wildcard is the robust Ross, who was born in Guam and played four years of division one college basketball. The Cats are the team to beat.

SYDNEY KINGS

Coach: Damian Cotter

Team: Ben Madgen, Kendrick Perry, Jason Cadee, Dan Joyce, Josh Childress, Josh Duinker, Angus Brandt, Tom Garlepp, Kevin White, Cody Ellis

Last season: Equal fifth (12-16)

2014-15 tip: Equal sixth (12-16)

The Kings could finish as high as second or dead last, depending on how effectively first-year coach Cotter moulds his revamped side. Five new players were recruited in the off-season, including former NBA journeyman Childress. But while Childress boasts better credentials, fellow import Perry might emerge as Sydney's go-to man. Cotter still has the reliable Madgen to lead the way, Ellis is expected to shine in his second season, while Cadee is back in his home town with a point to prove.

TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES

Coach: Shawn Dennis

Team: Steve Markovic, Mitch Norton, Todd Blanchfield, Greg Vanderjagt, Brian Conklin, Leon Henry, Mirko Djeric, Jacob Holmes, Mickell Gladness, Clint Steindl

Last season: Last (10-18)

2014-15 tip: Equal sixth (12-16)

No question, the Crocs are on the rise. But a top-four finish is probably still out of reach for Dennis' hard-working side, despite taking out last month's NBL Blitz. The productive Conklin was retained and shot-blocking dynamo Gladness, who brings NBA experience, will stiffen Dennis' interior defence. Former Taipans swingman Steindl is a solid recruit and ex-Breakers bad boy Henry provides front-court depth. The Crocs will push hard for a playoffs berth and only just miss out.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS

Coach: Gordie McLeod

Team: Adam Ballinger, Brad Hill, Tim Coenraad, Jahii Carson, Larry Davidson, Dave Gruber, Dominique Cooks, Gary Ervin, Oscar Forman, Tyson Demos, Luke Nevill

Last season: Fourth (13-15)

2014-15 tip: Equal third (14-14)

Make no mistake, Wollongong are a very different team without Rhys Martin and Rotnei Clarke and there might be nights Hawks fans wished the pair had stayed with the club. McLeod couldn't afford to sit and wonder about whys and what-ifs in the off-season, filling the back-court void with Ervin and Carson. The reigning NBL Coach of the Year will have to work hard to get five new players to understand his intricate offences, but he's a proven performer when it comes to shaping a winning side. The Hawks should sneak into the semis, even though they will probably run hot and cold over the 28-game regular season.