36ers captain’s contract release after NBL finals loss
Murray Wenzel |
Dejan Vasiljevic won’t return for the final year of his contract with Adelaide after the 36ers signalled their intent to move “in a different direction” from the co-captain.
The sharpshooting guard, a two-time NBL title winner with Sydney, spent three seasons in Adelaide and was a key figure in their finals breakthrough last season.
But the 28-year-old’s role was reduced this season – they fell in overtime of game five of the finals series to the Kings – and is now a free agent after confirmation of his release on Monday.
“DJ came to our club at a time when we needed experience and leadership, and he has been really valuable in that space,” 36ers basketball boss Matt Weston.
“Last season he was asked to play a different role and had some important moments, however as we discussed with him our club’s vision for NBL27 and beyond, it became apparent that we were moving in different directions.”
Vasiljevic averaged 15.1 points per game 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 90 appearances for the club.
Later on Monday Melbourne United confirmed Cairns centre Sam Waardenburg’s arrival on a three-year deal.
Waardenburg spent four seasons at the Taipans, with injury curtailing him to eight games last season as he put up career-best averages in points (15.5), field goal percentage (56.6), three-point percentage (43.5) and free-throw percentage (80).
“It’s just an awesome opportunity that I couldn’t really turn down,” the New Zealander said.
“I definitely wanted to prioritise winning. I want to experience the playoffs, I want to experience a championship series, I want to experience winning a title.
“I just didn’t think it was anywhere better than Melbourne United to do that.”
The NBL’s free agency period began last Friday, with Sam McDaniel (Brisbane) and Keli Leaupepe (Sydney) immediately extending deals at their respective clubs.
AAP