The 2016-17 National Basketball League season is shaping to rank among the biggest and best campaigns that Australian basketball has seen, with as many as seven sides capable of capturing a place inside the top four.

Trying to pick the side that will win the title is a task about as tough as trying to crack a Playfair cypher. The race for the MVP should be as hotly contested as the battle for ladder positions, with a plethora of impact players taking to the floor.

The Sydney Kings finished last season glued to the bottom of the ladder, but you'd be silly to have them finishing outside the top four this time around after they spent the off-season retooling and bringing in NBL legend Andrew Gaze as a first-time coach and defending MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Lisch.

The stakes were raised early and the rest of the league responded.

Melbourne United, after winning the minor premiership last season, have reloaded with former NBA and European player David Andersen. Brisbane have returned to the league, headlined by another former NBA player, Cam Bairstow, while Casey Prather (Perth), Rotnei Clarke (Illawarra), Terrence Ferguson (Adelaide) are other notable players taking to the court this season.

We break down every team in the NBL, and their chances heading into the season.

Cairns Taipans

When you add the most physically imposing big man in the competition, it's always good news. Nate Jawai joined the Snakes last season, when, while not always dominant, his presence forced opposing teams to structure their defensive structures around him. At the other end, Travis Trice isn't afraid to put his hand up when the light shines brightest having proved at Michigan State that he was more than capable of shutting down any player. Jarrad Weeks was the story of the season last year, with Illawarra Hawks, but can he show his new fan base what all the hype was about?

Last season: 6th (12-16)

Squad: Matt Burston, Fuquan Edwin, Travis Trice, Nathan Jawai, Cameron Gliddon (capt), Mark Worthington, Stephen Weigh, Alex Loughton, Jarrad Weeks, Mitch McCarron

Gains: Nate Jawai, Travis Trice, Mitch McCarron, Nnanna Egwu, Fuquan Edwin, Jarrad Weeks

Losses: Markel Starks, Torrey Craig, Matt Burston, Cam Tragardh, Shaun Bruce

Key players: Nate Jawai, Cameron Gliddon.

One to watch: Travis Trice. Lockdown defender who shines in big moments.

First game: Saturday, Oct. 8 @ Perth Wildcats

Prediction: One team has to finish last; unfortunately for Cairns, that honour belongs to the Taipains. Eighth.

Cameron Gliddon of the Taipans against the 36ers in September, 2016. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Illawarra Hawks

The Hawks have lost the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Lisch, and star wing Kirk Penney, but they have got off on the right foot for this campaign by winning the Australian Basketball Challenge. Rebounding was a big talking point last season, with only AJ Ogilvy averaging more than four boards per game, but coach Rob Beveridge addressed that issue through the offseason by bringing in Nick Kay and Michael Holyfield. Rotnei Clarke should make an immediate impact with his scoring prowess, and hence help to draw the crowds, while Ogilvy will be vital on both ends of the floor if the Hawks are to obtain any success.

Last season: Lost semifinal 2-1 to Perth (finished regular season in 3rd spot with 17-11 record)

Gains: Rotnei Clarke, Marvelle Harris, Mitch Norton, Nick Kay, Michael Holyfield

Losses: Kevin Lisch, Kirk Penney, Jarrad Weeks, Larry Davidson

Squad: Rotnei Clarke, Nick Kay, Mitch Norton, Marvelle Harris, Michael Holyfield, AJ Ogivly, Oscar Forman, Rhys Martin, Tim Coenraad, Cody Ellis

Key players: Rotnei Clarke, AJ Ogilvy.

One to watch: Nick Kay. Rookie of the Year looking to take the next big step.

First game: Friday, Oct. 7 vs. Adelaide 36ers

Prediction: Will be a tough out, but we don't expect them to secure a finals berth. Seventh.

New Zealand Breakers

The 2015-16 runners-up to Perth Wildcats are all but Team New Zealand, having added Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare to the roster that include a total of nine NZ players. Corey Webster was near unstoppable at times last season, and he heads into this campaign after some impressive form overseas. The lack of a true point guard could prove costly for the Breakers, but the veteran presence within this team will hold them in good stead.

Last season: Lost grand final 2-1 to Perth (finished 4th during the regular season with a 16-12 record)

Squad: Ben Woodside, Rob Loe, Akil Mitchell, Finn Delany, Shea Ili, Kirk Penney, Corey Webster, Tom Abercrombie, Mika Vukona

Gains: Kirk Penney, Rob Loe, Ben Woodside, Akil Mitchell, Shea Ili, Finn Delany, Jordan Ngatai, Izzy Tueta (injury replacement)

Losses: Cedric Jackson, Charles Jackson, Tai Wesley, Everard Bartlett, Reuben Te Rangi, Shane McDonald

Key players: Kirk Penney, Thomas Abercrombie, Mika Vukona.

One to watch: Corey Webster. Superstar with explosive scoring power.

First game: Friday, Oct. 7 vs. Melbourne United

Prediction: Three times champions and twice runners-up since 2010, they are forever contenders. Can they do it again this season? We say no. Sixth.

Brisbane Bullets

The new kids on the block, making their first foray in the league since 2007-08, but they've built a formidable roster that should have other teams a little rattled. Former NBA player Cam Bairstow will be a focal point for the Bullets, but coach Andrej Lemanis should warrant his fair share of the limelight. His coaching performance with Australia's Boomers at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro was remarkable, and he'll look to add that same pizzazz to the NBL. They'll be looking to make an early case that they belong among the contenders, and victory over the defending champion Perth Wildcats in game 1 could make a bold statement.

Last season: First season back in the competition since folding in 2008

Squad: Jermaine Beal, Adam Gibson, Torrey Craig (import), Mitchell Young, Shaun Bruce, Tom Jervis, Daniel Kickert, Matt Kenyon, Anthony Petrie, Reuben Te Rangi, Cameron Bairstow

Key players: Cam Bairstow, Jermaine Beal.

One to watch: Daniel Kickert. Instrumental for United last season, he is a stretch big man.

First game: Thursday, Oct. 6th vs. Perth Wildcats.

Prediction: Big challenger for the title, but they will ultimately just fall short. Fifth.

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Sydney Kings

Everything that could go wrong for the Kings last season, did. They had a season from hell and finished last, and they have gone all out to ensure this season doesn't go the same way. Josh Childress has been the best player in the league the past two seasons -- when he could get on the court - but the Kings should be able to cover his absence given the roster they now boast. Defense wasn't played in Sydney last year, and that was the No. 1 area of concern leading into the offseason. Enter defensive player of the year Kevin Lisch and veteran Brad Newley, who will lead the defensive charge.

Last season: 8th (6-22)

Squad: Greg Whittington, Michael Bryson, Aleks Maric, Kevin Lisch, Brad Newley, Julian Khazzouh, Tom Garlepp, Jason Cadee, Jeromie Hill

Gains: Kevin Lisch, Brad Newley, Aleks Maric, Michael Bryson, Greg Whittington

Losses: Josh Childress, Angus Brandt, Marcus Thornton, Rhys Carter, Jordan Vandenberg

Key players: Kevin Lisch, Julian Kazzouh

One to watch: Tom Garlepp adds firepower off the bench.

First game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Brisbane Bullets

Prediction: A lot of fanfare after a whirlwind offseason, but expectations will be hard to meet. Fourth.

Sydney Kings

Adelaide 36ers

The Sixers looked destined for the finals last season before the injury curse struck star point guard Jerome Randle, and the season plateaued. They have since added athletic bigs who can stretch the floor and run in the open court, and they're loaded all over the floor; what they lack in experience, they more than make up for in talent. Terrence Ferguson has already proved that he is a highlight film, and he and running partner Randle as his are sure to give opposing coaches nightmares.

Last season: 5th (14-14)

Gains: Terrance Ferguson, Majok Deng, Anthony Drmic, Eric Jacobsen, Adam Doyle

Losses: Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, Ebi Ere, Lucas Walker

Squad: Eric Jacobson, Terrance Ferguson, Adam Doyle, Majok Deng, Anthony Drmic, Mitch Creek, Daniel Johnson, Brendan Teys, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sobey

Key players: Jerome Randle, Terrence Ferguson

One to watch: Jerome Randle is tipped to produce an MVP-worthy season.

First game: Friday, Oct 7th @ Illawarra Hawks.

Prediction: Adelaide always seem to be low on the list of contenders, but they will be big challengers. Third.

Terrance Ferguson of the Adelaide 36ers during the dunk contest in September, 2016. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Perth Wildcats

The reigning champions were a defensive juggernaut last season, and they rode that wave all the way to the title. They will feel the loss of Nate Jawai and Jermaine Beal, but replacements Jameel McKay and Jaron Johnson should open the Wildcats up to a free-flowing offensive scheme. There should be highlights aplenty in Perth this season, but the offence could stagnate at times; provided the team gels, however, look for the Wildcats to make another big run.

Last season: Champions. Won grand final 2-1 over NZ (2nd during regular season with a 18-10 record)

Squad: Jaron Johnson, Greg Hire, Jarrod Kenny, Matt Knight, Dexter Kernich-Drew, Angus Brandt, Casey Prather, Jesse Wagstaff, Shawn Redhage, Damian Martin

Gains: Jaron Johnson, Jameel McKay, Angus Brandt, Dexter Kernich-Drew

Departures: Nate Jawai, Jermaine Beal, Tom Jervis

Key players: Casey Prather, Jaron Johnson.

One to watch: Damian Martin. Wants his title of best defensive player back.

First game: Thursday, Oct 6 @ Brisbane Bullets

Prediction: They are going to be so much fun to watch, and the wins will roll in. Second.

Casey Prather of the Perth Wildcats in action against the Illawarra Hawks. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Melbourne United

The minor premiers last season before they were bounced in the first round of the finals by New Zealand. United have since ransacked the Breakers' war chest and added Australia Boomers veteran David Andersen, and they will be a major threat all over again. Chris Goulding should go close to capturing his first NBL MVP award, we can expect big scoring numbers each and every week with the firepower they now possess. Falling short in the first round of the finals won't cut it for United; they're looking to capture the title and it seems like the time is now for them. Can they stand up under the pressure?

David Anderson of Melbourne United shoots during the Australian Basketball Challenge in 2016. Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Last season: Lost semifinal 2-0 to NZ (finished regular season in 1st spot with 18-10 record)

Squad: Cedric Jackson, David Andersen, Devin Williams, Ramone Moore, Tai Wesley, Chris Goulding, David Barlow, Majok Majok, Todd Blanchfield, Nate Tomlinson

Gains: Cedric Jackson, David Andersen, Devin Williams, Ramone Moore, Tai Wesley

Losses: Hakim Warrick, Daniel Kickert, Stephen Holt, Brad Hill, Igor Hadziomerovic, Chris Patton

Key players: Chris Goulding, Cedric Jackson, David Andersen.

One to watch: Majok Majok. Will be a double-double machine.

First game: Friday, Oct. 7th @ New Zealand Breakers

Prediction: They want redemption, and we tip they will get it this season. First.