Over the past two weeks the Tasmania JackJumpers have made a couple of updates to their squad ahead of the 2022-23 season. The team has announced that two new imports, Milton Doyle (combo guard) and Rashard Kelly (power forward) will be joining their roster.
In replacing previous imports Josh Adams and Mikyle Mcintosh, coach Scott Roth has elected for two defensive-minded players that are able to cover multiple positions.
These signing are the only significant changes to the team that reached the NBL Grand final last season. This follows the re-signing of import point guard Josh Magette and all of their local players returning.
Rashard Kelly
After centre Will Magnay went down last season with injury, the JackJumpers revised their playing style to best fit their smaller lineup. This was most reflected in thier rebounding, with all players crashing the boards becoming a key part of the JackJumpers late season run to the finals. However the Grand Finals series against the Sydney Kings highlighted their overall lack of height as they were dominated in rebounds (130-102) and points in the paint (128-58) across the three-game series.
So heading into the offseason the team identified the need for depth at the power forward/centre positons. Have they hit that with new recruit Rashard Kelly? somewhat yes.
At first glance he is a little undersized for what team was chasing in a big man, and at 6’7″ Kelly matches the height of departing McIntosh. So how does this improve Tasmania’s big man depth? What Kelly brings to the team s athleticism and length, allowing him to match-up on taller opponents without conceding any real advantage in a one-on-one contest.
Any concerns on his height can also be referred to Robert Franks. The Brisbane Bullets import is also 6’7″ but led the league in rebounding last season. Franks was an early target of the the JackJumpers off season, but they were unsuccessful, with Franks departing Brisbane to sign with Adelaide.
Kelly is finishing off his season with JDA Dijon in the French LNB Pro league where he currently is their starting power forward and averaging 11.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
His game is built on the defensive end, where he is on the glass rebounding, blocking shots, keeping his man out of the paint, but also providing help defense. On the offensive end, from limited vision so far it seems he doesn’t have a strong jump shot or outside shot (30% from three in France). But he knows where to be on the court during an offence, whether this be rolling to the rim on a pick or cutting to the basket looking for an outlet pass from a driving teamate.
Due to his height, he isn’t really a typical post-up player, but is prolific on the offensive rebounds and put backs.
Kelly will likely find himself at the three, four and even five positions on the court, depending on matchups. It will be most intriguing how Roth plays him when Magnay is off the court, with Kelly and McVeigh likely to pair up in the front court as the team look to go small.
Milton Doyle
Joining Kelly at the JackJumpers is combo guard Milton Doyle, who has the tough task of filling the shoes of Josh Adams. But the two guards couldn’t be further apart in their playing style.
He is not the flat out shooter that Adams was, but he is able to contribute in multiple ways at both ends of the floor. Slightly taller than Adams at 6’4″ and with a long wingspan, defensively Doyle will be solid match up for the NBL’s premier guards. At the offensive end he mostly will play as the shooting guard, where he has a solid outside shot but also is able to create his own shot and drive to the rim. But he is more than capable at running the team as a point guard.
His role at point guard will be important to the team, as it provides Roth a solid alternative to Josh Magette. Magette did a great job last season at the point, but he played long minutes (32 minutes per game, a team high) somewhat in part due to the lack of depth at the point guard position. Jarrad Weeks and Sean Macdonald provided great support in spot minutes, and Adams also took over some ball handling duties but that impacted his ability as a primary scorer.
Also Magette at 6’0″ tall also wasn’t a great matchup against some of the NBL’s taller more athletic point guards. Using the grand final series as an example, Magette’s opposing point guards Jaylen Adams and Ian Clarke, were both 6’3″ and incredibly athletic. Doyle’s height, length and elite defensive skills should provide some better match-up options for Roth across the season.
Doyle has spent the last few seasons in Europe under the FIBA rules that the NBL aligns with. But has also spent time with the Chicago Bulls (2019) and Brooklyn Nets (2017) programs in the NBA. He most recently finished playing in Turkey for the Gaziantep Basketbol where he was the starting shooting guard (averaging 12.5points, 3.3assists and 1.5 steals per game).
Overall
I see the two imports as an upgrade on the outgoing McIntosh and Adams. Mostly due to thier defensive skills only improving the teams already strong defensive game. They add some size, rebounding but importantly the ability play multiple positions, helping the teams depth.
Despite thier successes last season, the JackJumpers lacked a solid plan B for a lot of their play in the back half of the season. Teams will be better prepared for them this season, but the additions of Doyle, Kelly and a fit Magnay should help them adjust to what teams defenses throw at them.
They will really miss Adams scoring. He was simply amazing in the clutch and his ability to hit big baskets was something we haven’t seen in the league for many years. However, his departure also presents new opportunites for players like the new imports, Magnay or McVeigh to step up and make thier mark on this team.
Room for another Big?
Despite the main roster being complete, there is still space for 1-2 development players and a potential Next Star. The main gap in their roster still sits with the PF/C position, and presents a big opportunity if the right young player was available.
The JackJumpers haven’t said much regarding a Next Star yet. But with the majority of the top NBA draft class for 2024 already comiited to different programs, its seeming there won’t be much on offer for the NBL at this stage.
However, looking at last years crop of Next Stars it wouldn’t be hard to see the impact that an Ariel Hukporti, Makur Maker or Ousman Dieng could have on the JackJumpers.
Roth showed last year he wasn’t afraid to throw players opportunities with development player Jock Perry. After Magnay’s injury, the seven foot Perry averaged five minutes per game across 16 appearances including a couple of starts. We’ll watch this space.
