Justin Tatum said there are “High-level talented guys” in the NBL. Former NBA players in the NBL include Montrezl Harrell, Ian Clark, Matthew Dellavedova, Matthew Hurt, Rob Edwards, Bryce Cotton and Derrick Walton Jr. NBL alumni in the NBA include Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng and Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr. Moreover, New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez, 17, is a heralded prospect for the 2026 NBA draft.

“And I’m not just talking about the former, current or want to be NBA players that are over here,” Justin Tatum said. “The Australian players are unbelievably good. It’s very physical. A lot of things you can’t get away with in the States, they let you play through here.”