Bullets axe former MVP, promise swift replacement
Murray Wenzel |
Brisbane have promised two swift import signing announcements after cutting former NBL MVP Jaylen Adams.
The Bullets copped a hammer blow on Wednesday when three-time title winner Casey Prather, in career-best form, suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Ahead of Saturday clash with league-leaders Melbourne the club made an unforced roster change, axing 2022 MVP Adams after a string of quiet performances.
The move follows the October departure of fellow import Javon Freeman-Liberty, who has been replaced by Dakota Mathias.
Adams won All-NBL first team honours when he led the Kings to the title three years ago.
But the 29-year-old has been a shadow of his former self in Brisbane, the club citing behavioural reasons for benching him for a clash with Perth last month.
He averaged career-lows in points, rebounds and shooting percentages while committing a career-high 3.3 turnovers per game.
Adams was criticised by commentators Lanard Copeland and Derek Rucker for his lack of intensity in a big loss to New Zealand on Wednesday when he scored just two points and added two assists and two rebounds.
It was the final straw for Adams as the Bullets fell to 5-8 this season.
Prather was ruled out for the season after having surgery on Thursday but it didn’t stop the club taking further action on Friday.
“We are making quick, decisive moves to ensure our import spots are filled with elite talent as soon as possible,” Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts said.
“Our club, our fans and our partners deserve a team that represents Brisbane with pride and professionalism.
“There will be two major announcements coming in the immediate future.”
Lamar Patterson, signed in the pre-season as an injury replacement, will return to the line-up alongside Mathias to face United.
AAP
