Proud,
Interesting idea/question.
AFL is a fundamentally different proposition, due to the nature of the game (22 players), the way squads are built over several years via drafts and trading, and the lack of alternative sources. (The state leagues are incomparably weaker, and there are no international leagues to speak of.
Given most NBL teams have Development and Training players, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pull those together early. And maybe even have the development/fringe squad play as a team in the state league in the Winter preceding.
However, an NBL team is still going to need league-ready free-agents and of course imports.
Also, the relationship with State Leagues is a tricky one, and an NBL team must be seen to be supporting their State League, not raping & pillaging.
Without sidetracking this discussion into another debate on the merits of the current system. Giving a new team temporary extensions on Maquees, imports, soft cap, could be a way to to build early competitiveness.