Mystery over missing NBL star; 36ers face huge call as Hawks swoop for ex-champ — NBL Daily

Questions are beginning to emerge over the role of one of the NBL’s proven sharpshooters after a head-scratching start with his new club, while the Adelaide 36ers face a huge decision surrounding their marquee big man and his troublesome knee. Meanwhile, the winless Illawarra Hawks have wasted no time addressing their injury-hit roster, bringing a former Next Star and NBL champion back to the league as they search for their first win of the season. Watch every NBL game LIVE with ESPN, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. All this and more in NBL Daily. HUMPHRIES TO BE PUT ON ICE? He has 173 NBL games to his name, was named Rookie of the Year in 2018 and sits just one point away from reaching the 2,000-point milestone, but Adelaide 36ers big man Isaac Humphries may have to put that achievement on hold. Isaac Humphries of the 36ers warms up ahead of game two of the NBL Playoff Series between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on March 14, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images News has emerged that the six-year veteran could potentially be set for a stint on the sidelines as he continues to battle a knee injury that has kept him off the court to begin the season. As reported by Nine News Adelaide reporter Will Crouch , the 36ers are seeking a second medical opinion in Melbourne, with multiple doctors exploring the best path back to the court and several scenarios potentially on the table. NBL Wrap: Heat on $1m man as strugglers ‘not it a good spot’; champs’ ominous statement Humphries has dealt with his fair share of knee injuries throughout his career and is coming off one of his best NBL seasons, averaging 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting a career-high 67.9% from the field. Isaac Humphries of the 36ers drives to the basket under pressure from Xavier Cooks of the Kings during the round 16 NBL match between Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena, on January 24, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images One option could see Humphries undergo surgery, which, if he chooses to go down that path, could sideline him for the entirety of the NBL27 season. The club is already exploring contingency plans should that eventuate, with even the possibility that Humphries may not return to the court for Adelaide at all. Humphries re-signed with the 36ers on a three-year deal in March 2024, with this season the final year of that contract. Adelaide 36ers big man Isaac Humphries arrives at the NBL MVP awards at Crown in Melbourne. Monday, February 23. 2026. Picture: David Crosling Source: News Corp Australia There is also the possibility both parties could explore a new chapter and mutually decide to part ways, although there has been no confirmation that will eventuate. According to Will Crouch , the 36ers have already explored a number of potential replacements, either on a temporary or permanent basis, as the club looks to go one step further than last season and win a championship. For now, Humphries remains a 36er and continues to work his way back from the knee injury that has prevented him from taking the court this season. SIXTH MAN MISSING? Former Sixth Man of the Year Kouat Noi entered his eighth NBL season bringing a wealth of experience to his new club, the New Zealand Breakers, including two championships and most recently an LBL championship with Al Riyadi. However, the 28-year-old has endured a slow and somewhat head-scratching start to his time across the ditch. Kouat Noi of the Breakers gets his lay up shot away during the round two NBL match between Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena, on September 26, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images Noi originally signed a one-year deal with the Breakers after coming off a championship with the Sydney Kings and an NBL25 campaign that saw him average 14.8 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 39.2% from deep. Through the opening four games, he has played just 31 minutes, averaging 8.2 minutes per game, while last night’s 23-point win over the Cairns Taipans saw him spend just six minutes on the court. The lack of game time prompted NBL veteran and two-time champion Lanard Copeland to raise the question during last night’s game. Kouat Noi of the Breakers stretches as he warms up during the round two NBL match between Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena, on September 26, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images “What is happening with Kouat Noi? Is he still on this team?” Copeland said. From the outside, there is no indication Noi is dealing with an injury, leaving his lack of game time as a head-scratcher for commentators. Noi has averaged 20.2 minutes per game across his NBL career, making the significant drop in playing time something to keep an eye on moving forward, with the sharpshooter currently producing career-low numbers as a result of his limited opportunities. HAWKS CALL IN REINFORCEMENTS They are winless and dealing with several injuries to their core bench unit, but the Illawarra Hawks have wasted no time bringing in some fresh legs familiar with the NBL. Makur Maker of the Kings shoots during the round three NBL match between Melbourne United and Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena on December 16, 2021, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images With Mason Peatling (foot) and Todd Blanchfield (hand) both expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines, former NBL Next Star Makur Maker has signed with the Hawks for the remainder of the 2026-27 season. The 25-year-old, 6’10 centre will provide some much-needed size and spark off the bench as Illawarra searches for its first win of the season. Maker already has NBL experience under his belt, having played for the Sydney Kings as a Next Star during their championship-winning campaign. Across 16 games, Maker averaged 7.8 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from the field. Since departing the NBL, Maker has spent time in the NBA G League with the Capital City Go-Go and Raptors 905 before taking his talents overseas with Al-Ittihad Jeddah and Al Ahli Tripoli. Makur Maker #43 of the Philadelphia 76ers brings the ball up the court during the first half of their NBA Summer League game July 3, 2023 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) Source: getty His most recent stint came in Taiwan with the Taipei Taishin Mars in the TPBL, where he averaged an impressive 26.2 points, 13.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 11 appearances while shooting 51.7% from the field. Maker’s length and talent will be a welcome boost for a Hawks side that has struggled for size, particularly after the recent release of import Darius Days. The club has also confirmed that alongside Maker, who joins as a local, it will pursue another import to further bolster its depth in the big-man position as it looks to turn around its winless start.