Club legend Gordie McLeod won't have to wait too long to go up against Illawarra Hawks when he makes his first official appearance as Cairns Taipans' new assistant coach.

The Taipans will host the Hawks on Thursday, October 8, to tip off the 2015-16 NBL season.

McLeod parted ways with the Hawks following a lengthy period of voluntary administration.

He landed on his feet in Cairns, and was replaced in Wollongong by new head coach Rob Beveridge.

The Hawks will also host a large number of midweek home games in the draw released by the NBL on Thursday. It's not an easy start for the Illawarra team, which will fly from Cairns to Melbourne to take on United just three days later to complete their round-one double header.

The first home game at WIN Stadium will be against New Zealand on Wednesday, October 14.

The Hawks then take on "local" rival Sydney before their most anticipated match-up against Perth, where fans will see former Wildcats championship-winning coach Beveridge and MVP Kevin Lisch line up against their old team.

NBL general manager Jeremy Loeliger is pleased with the new-look draw, which is condensed with new midweek games.

"We are extremely confident that the NBL is going to deliver great results this summer," Loeliger said.

"Expanding on the traditional schedule gives those already following our competition a tighter and more exciting timetable, while providing a frontline, elite sports option at a different time for new fans to come on board.

"This is set to be one of the most competitive seasons the NBL has seen in years, and we are going to produce consistent opportunities to watch live sports and see the superstar line-ups throughout the week."

The first game of the season will begin with the reigning champions New Zealand on the road to visit the Adelaide 36ers. The Breakers then return home to host the Townsville Crocodiles in the first season game across the ditch.

Queensland fans will not have to wait as long for their favourite rivalry, with the Taipans getting home court advantage for the first clash against Townsville in round two, after sweeping the series last season.

Last season also featured the first Sydney Kings win against the Perth Wildcats in more than four years, and the Kings have the chance to follow up in front of a home crowd on Sunday, December 13 for their last game at the Qantas Credit Union Arena.

The Kings then move to their new home at the Sydney Olympic Park.