After unveiling the players ranked 25 through 11, it’s time to get to the very top in a list of the top players competing in the NBL this season.
These are the household names, MVP candidates, and true game-changers that will headline NBL26.
The league has never been deeper in terms of talent, but the players in this tier stand above the rest as the ones most likely to define the season.
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Melb United down Bullets in blitz game | 00:55
10. TYLER HARVEY
Fresh off an All NBL First Team selection and a championship in 2025, Tyler Harvey returns as one of the league’s premier guards and could be an Australian citizen by season’s end. He averaged 17.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists while hitting 39 percent from deep, reaffirming his reputation as one of the NBL’s purest scorers.
The big question is how Harvey adapts without Trey Kell, whose playmaking and spacing freed him to focus on scoring. Without that backcourt partner, Harvey will need to stay aggressive in more areas of the game while still carrying the scoring load.
Even with those challenges, Harvey remains one of the NBL’s most dangerous weapons, and his ceiling in NBL26 will hinge on how far he expands his impact beyond just putting points on the board.
9. MONTREZL HARRELL
The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year is back in the NBL and ready to build on last season’s strong campaign. He averaged 20.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1 block per game while shooting 56 percent from the field, proving he could dominate inside and carry stretches for Adelaide.
This year his role is simple: be effective, energize fans and keep the 36ers in championship contention. Harrell brings fire and emotion, and while it can sometimes spill over, the highs far outweigh the lows. His 36 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks against Cairns last season showed just how unstoppable he can be.
Harrell is a force of nature and enters NBL26 firmly among the league’s best players.
8. XAVIER COOKS
Xavier Cooks enters NBL26 on a redemption mission. The 2023 MVP wants to win back the trust of his teammates and the wider NBL after a mixed campaign last year. He still produced at a high level with 15.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 57 percent shooting, though his free throws at 61 percent remain a clear area for improvement.
What sets Cooks apart is his defence. He finished with the ninth best defensive rating in the league, ranked top 15 in block percentage and owned the fifth best PER. His ability to protect the rim, disrupt opponents and still impact offensively makes him one of the NBL’s most complete forwards.
Often underrated, Cooks will need to return to his very best if the Sydney Kings are to mount another deep playoff run in NBL26.
SEE THE FULL LIST: NBL’s TOP 25 PLAYERS – PART 1 (positions 25-11)
7. WILL MAGNAY
At number 7 comes the highest-placed centre on the list, Australian big man Will Magnay. His ceiling is sky high, but injuries remain the biggest question mark. Now entering his first season as captain of the Tasmania JackJumpers, a healthy Magnay could turn them into genuine title contenders.
His talent was on full display last season with an 18 point, 11 rebound, 5 block, 3 steal performance against Melbourne United. He averaged 13.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and shot 63 percent from the field, despite playing only 13 games.
If he can push that number into the mid 20s, expect Magnay to return to his dominant best and climb higher on this list.
6. JACK MCVEIGH
Jack McVeigh returns to the NBL carrying excitement, expectation and the belief he can be the saviour for Cairns. After a season with the Houston Rockets and their G League affiliate, he is back and ready to prove himself as one of the league’s premier forwards.
In his last NBL campaign he delivered a championship, Grand Final MVP and averaged 17.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 52 percent shooting. If he builds on those numbers and Cairns rise as predicted, McVeigh will be a lock for All NBL First Team honours.
The Taipans see him as their miracle man and he is set to make a massive impact in NBL26.
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5. KRISTIAN DOOLITTLE
Kristian Doolittle enters NBL26 as the new face of the Perth Wildcats, fitter than ever and ready to elevate his game. Coming off a career year, he lifted his scoring, rebounding, assists, and efficiency to prove he can be a true leader.
He averaged 15.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 52 percent shooting, capped by a monster 37 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in the semi finals. Doolittle showed he can create for teammates, defend the opposition’s best, and take over when it matters most.
Set for a massive NBL26, don’t be surprised if he climbs even higher on the league’s pecking order by season’s end.
4. CASEY PRATHER
Casey Prather’s resurgence was one of the standout stories of NBL25. After several seasons interrupted by injuries, the three-time NBL champion rediscovered his best form with Brisbane, averaging 21.3 points and 6.3 rebounds on 47 percent shooting. He proved he still belongs among the league’s elite wings.
Prather’s impact stretched beyond scoring. He posted 11 double doubles in 27 games, dominated on the glass, and erupted for 36 points against Adelaide. Just as importantly, he became a locker room leader, setting the tone for professionalism and resilience in a young Bullets squad.
Heading into NBL26, Prather’s health is the key to Brisbane’s rise. With a stronger supporting cast, his scoring gravity and all around influence will again make him the Bullets’ focal point. If he stays on the floor, Prather can cement his place among the league’s top tier and push Brisbane higher up the ladder.
3. PARKER JACKSON-CARTWRIGHT
Parker Jackson-Cartwright was the driving force behind New Zealand’s hot start in NBL25, silencing doubts about the Breakers before injuries, a suspension, and the arrival of Tacko Fall derailed their season.
He finished with 18.9 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on 49 percent shooting, proving once again he is one of the league’s most reliable guards. With a more balanced Breakers roster around him, Jackson-Cartwright is primed for another big year.
If he stays healthy after a rib injury at the NBL Blitz, expect him to be right back in the MVP conversation.
2. KENDRIC DAVIS
Kendric Davis exploded onto the NBL scene, finishing his debut year as MVP runner up with 25.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds on 48 percent shooting. Few guards in league history have combined that level of scoring and playmaking in year one.
Davis thrives by dictating tempo while staying a constant threat. His quickness, creativity, and ability to collapse defences keep opponents under pressure, while his vision makes him just as lethal as a facilitator.
Now at the Sydney Kings with Matthew Dellavedova and Xavier Cooks, and guided by Brian Goorjian, Davis has the perfect setting to sharpen his game and push for another NBA shot. Surrounded by veteran talent and carrying superstar responsibility, he is primed to rise again.
After pushing Bryce Cotton to the limit in the MVP race, Davis enters NBL26 as the league’s number two and the gap may be closer than many believe.
1. BRYCE COTTON
Bryce Cotton enters NBL26 as the five-time MVP and undisputed standard of excellence. Fresh off a career-best year with 28.1 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.4 RPG on 45.6%, he remains the league’s most lethal weapon.
What makes Cotton untouchable isn’t just the scoring, it’s his consistency in clutch moments, ability to carve up defences, and elite three-level scoring. Add in improved playmaking, and he’s as dangerous as ever.
Simply put, the NBL still runs through Bryce Cotton. Until proven otherwise, he’s the clear-cut No. 1 player in the league.
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