NBA Scouts From 12 Franchises Attend NBL Blitz in Canberra
nba-scouts-12-teams-nbl-blitz-canberra
Representatives from a dozen NBA organizations traveled to Canberra last week for the NBL Blitz, Australia’s annual preseason showcase, despite the event being shorter than in past years and relocated from the usual Gold Coast setting.
Scouts focused on several 2026 draft prospects, including Melbourne United guard Dash Daniels, the younger brother of NBA Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Dyson Daniels. Perth Wildcats guard Ben Henshall and South East Melbourne Phoenix forward Malique Lewis also attracted attention. New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez, another projected 2026 lottery pick, missed the tournament because of a back injury.
Evaluators were especially interested in 22-year-old wing Jaylin Galloway, who ended the 2023/24 NBA season on a two-way contract with Milwaukee before rejoining the Sydney Kings. Galloway’s recent performances at the FIBA Asia Cup prompted NBA personnel to assess whether his game would translate in the United States.
Wildcats Roster Moves Under Review
Former first-round pick Dylan Windler re-signed with Perth in the spring but told reporters his objective remains an NBA return. “I want to play at the highest level and get back in the NBA,” Windler said, noting the NBL’s visibility among league scouts.
Perth still holds one import slot. Earlier in the offseason the club contacted free agents Zavier Simpson, Jahmir Young, and Emmanuel Mudiay; Simpson and Young have since signed elsewhere while Mudiay continues to weigh options. More recently, the Wildcats have explored guards Kobi Simmons and Yuri Collins. Sources added that veteran NBA guard Patrick Beverley expressed interest in joining Perth, but discussions did not progress.
Questions Surround Next Stars Program
Attendees also inquired about the future of the NBL’s Next Stars pathway, which has produced lottery picks such as LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and Alex Sarr. Team officials noted that expanding name-image-likeness (NIL) opportunities in U.S. college basketball could reduce the program’s appeal for non-Australian talent.
Source: Hoops Rumors
