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Tyler Johnson is yet to make his NBL debut for Brisbane but is already emotionally invested in the Bullets' revival efforts.

Brisbane import Tyler Johnson is willing to put an NBA return on the backburner and ride a NBL journey with the rebuilt Bullets.

The guard has played 354 games for five different NBA clubs and at 30 could play his way back into the frame with a strong start in Australia.

Brisbane have battled since returning to the NBL, making the finals just once in six editions and limping to a 10-18 record last season.

But Johnson has bought into the Bullets' efforts to revive the once mighty club, with Aron Baynes another compelling signing in his return from a career-threatening injury.

"That's all a 'what if' ... but when you're trying to build something - maybe it's something my mum instilled in me - it's hard to start something then just leave it," Johnson said of his NBA aspirations ahead of Sunday's first-round clash with Perth.

"I don't know at this time, but if I had it my way I'd like to see the season out and see the whole thing through."

Nathan Sobey, who won bronze with Baynes at the Tokyo Olympics, is back after an off-season spent managing knee soreness alongside Jason Cadee.

Harry Froling, DJ Mitchell and Devondrick Walker are useful additions.

"We've got a lot of good players so it'll take a lot of dialogue to figure out how we can be effective," Johnson said.

"All of us are adjusting to having other good players on the floor with them.

"I really like it (the NBL); there's not as much space (as there is in the NBA) so it's trying to find where I can be aggressive, but not overdo it.

"Getting into the paint, there's so many bodies in there so it's going to take a bit of a transition for myself and some of the other guys that like to get downhill."

Brisbane open their campaign against the Wildcats, who will be hungry after their historic 35-year streak of finals appearances was broken last season.

"I've been made aware," Johnson smiled of the Perth game-day experience.

"We called a foul today (in training) and they were saying, 'You're not going to get that in Perth'.

"The atmosphere, you learn to enjoy it.

"It'll take you out of things if you're not cohesive but with one common vision it becomes fun.

"A win would be a huge statement to start the season."