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ISAAC Humphries' NBA elevation today with his signing by Atlanta Hawks has made him Australia's record-smashing 13th local player to crack the big time this season.

In the past couple of months, the NBL's status as a high quality international league has grown further with Humphries, the league's Rookie of the Year in 2018, now on Atlanta's roster, Adelaide 36ers' 2018 MVP and NBL People's Choice MVP Mitch Creek currently on a 10-day contract with Minnesota Timberwolves and 2019 MVP Andrew Bogut back with Golden State Warriors.

“Isaac’s signing with Atlanta is the realisation of a lifelong dream and the NBL congratulates him on a wonderful achievement,” NBL CEO Jeremy Loeliger said.

“It also demonstrates another step forward in the relationship between the NBL and NBA. Isaac joins Andrew Bogut (Golden State Warriors) and Mitch Creek (Minnesota Timberwolves) as players who have signed in the NBA after recently playing in the NBL.

“It helps cement the NBL’s standing as one of the premier leagues in the world outside of the NBA, and also reinforces the pathway the NBL provides for players to reach the NBA.”

Adelaide 36ers' 2019 Rookie of the Year, Harry Froling, has nominated for this year's NBA draft so also could be on the fast-track to fame and fortune in the world's best league.

Humphries, 21 and 213cm, joins Aron Baynes (Boston Celtics), Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers), Matthew Dellavedova (Cleveland Cavaliers), Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz), Patty Mills (San Antonio Spurs), Ryan Broekhoff (Dallas Mavericks), Dante Exum (Utrah Jazz), Jonah Bolden (Philadelphia 76ers), Thon Maker (Detroit Pistons), Mangok Mathiang (Charlotte Hornets), Bogut and Creek to have NBA contracts this season.

The former Sydney King averaged 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds playing in the NBA G-League this season for Atlanta’s affiliate, the Erie Bay Hawks (below).

LOCALLY, having concluded his time at Brisbane Bullets, Adam Gibson has signed a new NBL deal to continue his stellar career at South East Melbourne Phoenix, potentially reuniting him with Creek, should the latter's NBA aspirations fall short.

While that is highly unlikely, it would give the Phoenix two former 36ers captains on their roster.