The NBL has established itself as the leading global pathway to the NBA. The league’s innovative Next Stars program has undergone rapid growth and evolution under the leadership of Nikola Milivojevic, who is the NBL’s Director of Player Development.
The goal was to create a credible alternative to the United States college system. The Next Stars program has produced many talented individuals, including LaMelo Ball, an all-star guard with the Charlotte Hornets, and Josh Giddey, a rising playmaker in the NBA.
According to projections today, Karim Lopez and Dash Daniels have the potential to be top-10 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, reaffirming the program’s role as a source of elite young talent.
Building an NBA Pipeline
Milivojevic stresses the importance of the NBL’s collective investment as a key factor in success. The league supports Next Stars, unlike traditional club development systems, which ensures that resources and exposure benefit all players in the program, regardless of which team they join.
“When LaMelo Ball arrived in the NBL, he wasn’t viewed as a top-five prospect. Josh Giddey wasn’t projected in the top-10 either,” Milivojevic explained. “But the environment we’ve built—our style of play, our exposure, and our competitiveness—helped transform them into lottery picks.”
The NBL aims to align itself closely with the NBA’s structure, and this approach is consistent with that goal. The NBL is an ideal testing ground for NBA players, as it features a fast-paced game, strict possession counts, physical play, and intense competitiveness. By competing against experienced professionals who are fighting for their livelihoods, prospects have the chance to prove their skills in a high-stakes setting.
Why NBA Scouts Take Notice
NBA scouts and executives have been frequenting the NBL. Teams send evaluators multiple times a year because they are sure that their strong performances in the league will translate into the NBA stage.
“If you succeed here, you’re NBA-ready,” Milivojevic noted. “Scouts recognize that, which is why they continue to track our players closely.”
The NBA has selected nine players since launching the Next Stars program, with more to follow. Talented individuals seeking exposure and development at the highest level outside the United States are drawn to the league’s proven track record.
What’s Next for Next Stars
The NBL is pursuing new approaches to expand the program, including the formation of a dedicated Next Stars team. Bringing in more prospects each season, increasing competitive opportunities, and cementing its status, the league would further establish itself as an NBA pipeline.
Milivojevic recognizes an opportunity to capitalize on the growing impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, providing young athletes with financial incentives that rival or exceed those found in the US college programs.
“With NIL dynamics and our proven track record, we’re well-positioned to continue attracting both international and domestic talent,” he said.
Conclusion
The NBL’s Next Stars program has become a trusted launchpad for the NBA, and with future stars like Karim Lopez and Dash Daniels on the rise, it’s become a trusted launchpad for the NBA. The league has established an environment that resembles the NBA, offering exposure and the kind of competition that prepares prospects for the next level, guided by Nikola Milivojevic’s vision. The NBL is a reliable and respected pipeline to the world’s top basketball league as it continues to innovate and expand.
NBL’s Nikola Milivojevic on Next Stars as NBA Pipeline