The New Zealand Breakers are reportedly scouring the import market for a guard to share the load with Parker Jackson-Cartwright, with a roster shake-up possible within the next fortnight.
ESPN’s Olgun Uluc made the report on the Aussie Hoops Hour podcast, NBL.com.au reported on Wednesday. The Breakers have not announced any roster changes.
“It sounds like they’re going to go and get that guy. So right now the New Zealand Breakers are gauging the import market for a guard of some sort. Feels like they’re looking for a 2-1 type,” Uluc said.
Herbert’s frank assessment
The report follows coach Gordie Herbert’s comments after Saturday night’s 97-93 loss to the Perth Wildcats, in which Jackson-Cartwright had 30 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals.
“I thought Parker was outstanding, but he has to do everything and we need another ball handler,” Herbert said. “I think that’s evident.”
Asked where help might come from, Herbert added: “We’ve worked on stuff where he doesn’t have the ball to initiate the offense. We’re not very good at it right now, but obviously we have one import missing [Josiah-Jordan James] so I don’t know … we’ll have to see what we do there.”
Who could make way
Uluc said wing import Josiah-Jordan James, who is nursing a hamstring injury, could be the player to lose his spot.
“Something would have to give,” he said. “It sounds like there’s a chance that they move off Josiah-Jordan James, ultimately bring in a point guard or at least another guard to be next to Parker Jackson-Cartwright.”
Third import Charles Bediako is expected to keep his place after his best game of the season against Perth. Uluc also flagged that 23-year-old Preston Le Gassick, who is dealing with a neck injury, could be at risk, with nominated replacement player Mojave King’s form giving the club another option.
“This sounds like it’s going to happen and it also sounds like there’s a chance this happens within the next one or two weeks,” Uluc said. “I don’t think this team is going to sit on their hands.”
Ignite Cup defence starts tonight
The Breakers sit 1-2 heading into Round 3 of NBL27 and open the defence of their Ignite Cup title against the Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena from 5:30pm AEST on Wednesday, live on ESPN. The Taipans are also 1-2.
The Sydney Kings host the Brisbane Bullets in the second game of the Ignite Cup double-header from 7:30pm AEST, with both sides unbeaten at 2-0. Prize money for the in-season tournament has risen from $400,000 to $550,000, and this season’s Ignite Cup finals will be played at the AIS Arena in Canberra.
The Breakers then travel to face the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, October 4.
The import market has already been busy this off-season, highlighted by Melbourne United’s signing of NBA guard Cole Anthony.
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