Front Office & Scouting Notebook: How New York Taxers and Denver Smurf Cats Are Building Around Fanum and Shailushai (Smurf Cat)
Inside the roster construction, lineup analytics, and future draft asset strategy shaping the 2026-27 Regular Season.
NEW YORK — As the New York Taxers prepare to face the Denver Smurf Cats at The Smurf Summit Arena (7:00 PM EST, BBL TV / ABC), BBL front-office executives point to both franchises as models of modern roster construction during the 2026-27 Regular Season.
In New York, the combination of Fanum (22.4 PPG, 57.6% FG) and Blicky the Pullup has produced elite half-court efficiency, while Denver Smurf Cats continue to build around Shailushai (Smurf Cat) (23.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG) while maintaining draft flexibility for upcoming selection classes.
“Every matchup between NYK and DEN serves as a measuring stick for both front offices,” a BBL scouting director observed. “The talent level on the floor tonight reflects years of smart drafting and player development.”
"Our front office and coaching staff have put together a special locker room in Denver. Now it’s on us to execute every night."