NBA Pre-season: What you need to know about Melbourne United

James McKern

NBA Pre-season: What you need to know about Melbourne United image

The NBA pre-season isn't far from getting underway and this year more Aussie teams than ever before will take part.

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Five teams are making the journey over with Melbourne United the first team to get their shot.

The defending NBL champions almost toppled the Oklahoma City Thunder last year and will look to cause the upset against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Melbourne brought back big-name players in guard Casper Ware and big man Josh Boone, but it's Chris Goulding who drives their offence.

Goulding is one of the NBL's most electric players with an ability to get hot at the drop of a hat.

If he finds his range and gets into a groove, he may well just lead United to the promise land.

After years of failing to live up to the hype, Melbourne delivered when coach Dean Vickerman took the reigns. His second title in the NBL after leading New Zealand in 2014-15.

Of course Vickerman is going to have to come up with some incredible tactics to slow down Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, but as one of the best coaches in the league, he'll be up for the challenge.

A chance to stand tall on the NBA stage, along with seeking redemption over last years loss, could see Melbourne push the 76ers to the limit.

FULL ROSTER: MELBOURNE UNITED

NumberNamePositionHeightNationality
3Josh BooneF/C2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) United States
5Sam ShortG1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)Australia
7Peter HooleyG1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)Australia
9Craig MollerF2.03 m (6 ft 8 in)Australia
10Mitch McCarronG1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)Australia
14Tohi Smith-MilnerF/C2.06 m (6 ft 9 in)New Zealand
15Daniel TristF2.06 m (6 ft 9 in)Australian
17D.J. KennedyG/F1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)United States
20David BarlowF2.05 m (6 ft 9 in)Australia
21Casper WareG1.78 m (5 ft 9 in)United States
30Sam McDanielG/F1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)Australia
35Alex PledgerC2.15 m (7 ft 1 in)New Zealand
43Chris GouldingG1.92 m (6 ft 4 inAustralia

 

James McKern