I think for both teams sake NZ should try and buyout Walter Browns Tassie contract

Why would breakers want Brown? Just to help Tassie? They haven't signed or looked to sign him in the past and they fairly well stocked with similar players

Surely Brown would have played a bit more by now if he was capable at this level? I also agree that the Breakers don't have space for him either.

The key things for the Breakers is convincing PJC (and possibly Kop) to come back and Tacko to go away.

If you can upgrade Mooney and replace Fall with someone who can be a true backup at the 4 and 5, the team is a good one and will benefit from playing a year together under Kop. Wholesale changes are not necessary.

I agree, the only really big change required is addition by subtraction, Tacko Fall.

S.Mennenga / Import
J.Bolden / F.Delany / C.Davidson
K.Lopez / M.Darling
Import / F.Cameron / S.Bairstow
Import / M.McCarron

Be nice to see PJC back alongside an athletic scoring guard who can play some minutes at PG. Add a 6.10" back up big with decent wingspan and can be a lob threat with some rim protection who can get up and down the floor and defend out to the 3pt line.

Initial thoughts...

Delany salary requirement will be too high for his output. Love his passion but I don't think he's good value at the moment.

I would keep tai wynyard as this choice 5, sign a screen and D centre (Marcus Lee or pardon clone) and play menninga across 4 and 5.

I wouldn't resign bolden.

If tassie don't resign Crawford I'd sign him and a marquee import shooting guard that can slide to 3 at a stretch

I meant wynyard as third choice 5

Heard rumours that Tacko is exploring options in asia and that Bolden and King are in discussions to return.

I would like to keep Bolden, King and Bairstow and I'm not completely against McCarron returning.

I don't see the appeal of Walter Brown, other than the fact we need to start him for the Tall Blacks because we don't have any available young players at the wing.

The idea of buying out a DP to bring him home does make sense - just for Dontae Russo-Nance.

Another young candidate to consider for the 12th man spot: Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones is on a tear for UC San Diego, to the point where he may have outplayed a DP spot.

I believe boldens contract was basically import level and in that case I'd rather them put the money into a premier centre

Russo Nance is supposed to be main roster next year i think. I haven't seen enough from him to warrant a spot but if it's a choice between and mcnaught him I'd take him though.

When is mcnaughts DP role up?

I heard tacko has signed to return to the CBA with Nanjing Monkey Kings.

I don't wanna be down on the guy but I hope it goes well and they sign him on for next year which would enable a release from the breakers

Then they can go sign Marcus Lee

Marcus Lee will be on a fair few shopping list, he might get a decent pay rise.

You'd have to think the tacko experience is over with the new owners. Surely kop will be asked to return and will want to. In which case he'll be able to pretty much fully build the roster himself.

First big call i think will be mojave. Showed potential amongst injuries and kop sees him as a key defender (although I'm not convinced) but his shooting was inconsistent. Handy to be able to switch between 2 and 3 depending on Lopez and who else is on the floor.

I'm not really familiar with who are free agents but I'd be targeting a marquee point guard then a defensively strong big who can screen and rebound.

It sounds like bairstow is being retained which I'm not in favour of but kop clearly liked something judging by the minutes he was given. To me he's a 4th choice guard but unfortunately they've got mccarron on the books who's been poor so bairstow probably elevated to 3rd and have cameron and an import starting

Bairstow is a player. Kop has a good eye for talent. Started Darling when no one would have, and also played Davison meaningful minutes. Davison is on a new level in the NZ NBL now.

Bairstow needs to knock down threes at a decent rate if he's used for decent minutes because I don't see him being able to rely solely on running point and/or defence. He's solid no doubt but at this stage probably not a starter or goto combo guard off the bench.

Agree darling and davison provide some exciting options and depth at 3 and 4. Especially with Lopez as well and menninga sliding between 4 and 5.

I reckon that leaves a straight out rim protector and a high level shooting or combo guard as the priorities for imports.

Could Yanni W be enticed to return as a maquette player

Not so sure about the Bairstow resigning. Doesn't offer anything they don’t already have especially with Davison joining the full roster.
Looking like
/McCarron/McNaught
/back up/Isaac
Lopez/Davison/Bairstow
/Darling
Mennenga/

Wouldn’t mind seeing Wetzell if marquee, Delany, Cameron, Le’afa or something along those lines. 2 kiwi spots and 3 import/marquee spots to fills.

Wetzell would be a great addition but I can't see him returning.

I assume with no club statement about mojave that he wasn't offered a renewal? Or has he gone to market even with an offer from the breakers?

I believe that the exodus of kiwi players in the Walsh era, revolved around a lack of understanding the concept of whanau and all that goes with it.
With the Blackwells, Boucher and Abo involved, ex players will be very keen to be part of a new era.

Kolzee Ruscoe-Nance contract with Perth.
There a number of kiwis who are free agents, couple of handy point guards few journey men and battlers. Each year seems to see more kids returning from college who will add to the mix as well. Exciting times ahead.

Last I heard they were in discussions with Mojave King and Jonah Bolden about returning.

Agree knowall although most are either at DP level (murray, tait Jones) or not up to standard (te rangi, vodanovic). What players would you like to see join?

I reckon kiwi potentials are Hyrum Harris, izzy and obviously cameron. Surely breakers wouldn't sign tai Webster? For some reason I feel like breakers could get russo nance released but I've got no basis for that.

Kolzee, two I be keen on in a perfect world Wetzell and Illie. Loe, TeRangi, Vodanvic all serviceable bench players but not starters roles any more.
Howwver wouldn't be upset if they go for WMW and Wetzell.

I think Matt Walsh just rubbed Corey & Tai the wrong way.
I can remember after that first season in charge he was publicly calling Corey out for being statistically the one of the worst SG in the league in hope they could sign him for peanuts in the offseason.

Dillon Boucher has a much better relationship with both brothers from playing with Corey for the Breakers & NZ and from his time in charge of BBNZ.
I still don't think Boucher will be looking at Tai as they already have McCarron signed as a back up and will likely go with an Import starting PG.

I would say that Menenga will be starting and his backup with be a defensive minded mobile import.
If they can get Wetzell as a potential marque player NZ they will only be able to run the 2x imports. If Karim Lopez's upwards trajectory continues in his second season as a Next Star he may give the Breakers import level production negating the need for a 3rd import.
I would not at all be opposed to Jonah Bolden & Mojave King returning but not if we could get get Wetzell & Delaney along with Flynn Cameron.

According to one of the NBL Media guys Tai Webster is going to play overseas next season.

King and Bolden might be most overrated players in the comp, both were tipped as stars but King just has a cool first name and bounced around and Bolden just wants to shoot 3s.
Should be able to get Cameron, won't offer him a starting role but more minutes than Melbourne and could grow into the starting role in a year or two.
Blank slate nearly with the team now looking attractive to free agents with new ownership, hint Adelaide!!!
And the players seem to like their coach, hint Adelaide!!!
As long as Fall is definitely gone they should be fine.

Well, since my original post - I have much more faith in this Breakers squad than I did originally. The power of Dillon Boucher at the helm and some competent personalities in the ownership role. It can't be worse than Matt Walsh, right?

In terms of roster construction, the Breakers are in a challenging pickle because their existing squad leaves gaps that don't fully align with the Kiwi players discussed.

I know Bolden has his critics but I quite liked the Mennenga/Bolden front court - their skillsets were complementary and when paired with a Freddie Gillespie-type, was a primary reason why the Breakers were 7-3 early in the season. I'm comfortable if the Breakers return to that, plus I don't know how much Bolden is going to get on the market.

Flynn Cameron makes a ton of sense - particularly the Pero/Dillon connection, with the ability to become an enduring starter. I really hope we don't decide to sign King over Cameron.

That leaves three import slots and a local spot, who would be a 4 to backup Bolden. Te Rangi would be a fantastic cultural fit but isn't a 4 (plus I wish we signed him over Bairstow). I doubt Delany wants to return to play off the bench, but is he an NBL starter these days? Its likely a toss-up between Tait-Jones (if we can trust him and Carlin to back-up the 4) or Hyrum Harris (if we want the 2020's Dillon Boucher).

Mennenga / Import (Gillespie-type)
Bolden / Tait-Jones or Harris / Davison
Lopez / Darling / Bairstow
Import ( / Cameron / Isaac (DP)
Import (PJC-type) / McCarron / McNaught (DP) / Taine Murray (DP)

And no, I have the utmost confidence that Yanni Wetzell will stay in Germany - why would he take a paycut to come home at this point of his career?

In other news - I just found out Terry Li (that Breakers DP that was here for a season and left without a trace) is the fifth leading scorer for the Shanghai Sharks (averaging more points than Eric Bledsoe and DJ Wilson when they were in China). Who would've thought.

For all the Kiwi talk, some of the Breakers culture was actually built up by Ronaldson, Bruton and others. Could the Breakers make an offer to Dellavedova?

That's why I'm not opposed to Bolden returning. He's played in the league and has good body language when he's interacting with his team mates. I also like the pairing of Bolden & Menenga on the floor last season.
Bolden along with McCarron offer some veteran leadership and then Sam Menenga also has a voice in timeouts and huddles.

Sign Wetzell as a Marquee and 2x Imports, a stud point guard and a Gillespie type 6'10" mobile rim protector/lob threat.
Get King & Cameron and let them share the minutes at SG.

Menenga / Import
Wetzell (M)/ Bolden / Davison
Lopez (NS) / Darling / Bairstow
King / Cameron / Isaac (DP)
Import / McCarron / McNaught (DP)

Probably unlikely to get Wetzell, Bolden & King but one can hope.

I'd be OK with resigning bolden at the right price. Kop reigned in his three point shooting and improved his defensive focus remarkably. But if he wants his current salary he can go to Asia.

Similar for king, on a reduced contract keep him but if not let him go. Which by the way I think is exactly what's playing out in the background.

If he wants the same them I'd sign Izzy (which i think they will). Yes he had a woeful season shooting but otherwise he's ahead of others on assists and defence. Certainly better than bairstow!

Signing cameron would be great but for now he's a combo guard off the bench. Def not staying PG.

I would love to see trey kell or jordan Crawford signed. Or Kendrick davis but I'm not sure that's on the cards. If you could get him for pjc's contact them i would.

Ideally that would leave a guard roster of bairstow/mccaron/cameron/izzy/marquee import

Surely McNaught's time as a DP has reached its limit? Great guy, but can’t make it at this level. Isaac overtook him in the rotation last year.

Yeah he's such a nice guy but clearly not going to make it in nbl.

Boucher has come out and said they want to keep pjc and they're having discussions with him. Sounds promising. I would put a large offer to him - he's probably the best alround guard in the league now cottons gone and he's proven to play with passion every game. And hates losing. Exactly what they need and quite rare for an import.

I'd love it if they got Gillespie back for the do over.

How funny would it be if they released tacko to bring gillespie in!

I'm not opposed to bringing the same team back. Even Mooney with a season under his belt will be much better for it. However, he’s possibly the easiest piece to upgrade.

Mooney imo was a victim of the shambles the team descended into. Can definitely play a Kell role, but had to fill in at PG a lot which he can in short spurts, but took up a lot of his energy setting things up. Dech would be a good signing, think he played nznbl, either pair him at 2 with PJC and Mooney at 3, or vice versa, or bring him off bench.
But after PJC they should pursue Cameron as a priority and then start to build from there. Some continuity would help, hence keeping Mooney who had some good moments. Lopez could actually turn into a bigger contributor making Bolden expendable, add an import shot blocker and it's a nice team. If they do get Cameron not sure where Le'Afa fits but good consolation piece. And Dech would fit in well culturally as well as on court. Would imagine is cheaper and better fit.
Pity Pineau retired, be perfect insurance as 3rd or 4th big.

So PJC/Cameron/MM
Mooney/Dech
Lopez
Menenga
Import

Add the other bits.

I thought tai wynyard did well when he filled in and a capable 3rd centre

I'd be happy for mooney to come back. When he was able to just play SG he looked good and D improved. Just not sure kop could bury the hatchet?!

Okay so no Flynn Cameron. I'm hoping this means a Izayah Le'afa return to backup an import 2 - (because please no Mojave King).

If it's BOTH King and Le'afa, combined with McCarron, then I'm going to be very concerned about the offensive firepower in the backcourt. No way we bring in an import 2 in that scenario.

Anyone hear the Andrew Mulligan/Casey Frank podcast? They were assuming Te Rangi, Le'afa, Cameron and Delany all sign back with the Breakers - seemed like pure fiction.

Could see something like this
Import/McCarron
Import/Leafa
Lopez/Davison/Bairstow
Delany/Te Rangi/Darling
Mennenga/Import

Pls no te rangi. And darling would have to be well ahead of him in pecking order

I agree, no TeRangi.
Breakers are already loaded at SF with Karim Lopez & Max Darling.

Seen rumours of PJC to SEM.
Breakers have a good history of recruiting imports so not the end of the world but still be nice if he stayed.

I hope Le'afa signs and finds his shot. It was a nightmare season for him in Sydney offensively but he's still one of the better on-ball defenders in the league IMO and a good guy to boot, and there's probably no better place for him to get back on track.

Olgun reporting Le'afa to NZ on a 2 year deal.
I agree, NZ is the place for him to get offensively back on track after a bad season with Sydney.

100% that's a good signing. He was still impacting games dispite his shooting woes. Hopefully kop gets him going back to his floater because he became very 3pt reliant

I think with that signing the breakers now have to sign import PG and SGs. But with an import centre and a defence oriented 3 like Hyrum Harris it could be a pretty good roster

In fact my wish list is sounding exactly like PJC, mooney and gillespie!!

Confirmation the Breakers have a coach for next season with Petteri Koponen re-signing.

"Mitch McCarron, Sam Mennenga, Sean Bairstow, Max Darling, Tacko Fall, Carlin Davison, Karim Lopez (Next Star), Kaia Isaac (DP) and Alex McNaught (DP) are all contracted for NBL26."

https://nbl.com.au/news/koponen-locked-in-for-nbl26

Add Te Rangi to that now signed for 2 years.

Te Rangi just stealing money in broad daylight now lol

I literally don't know a single skill that Te Rangi has at even average NBL level.

Terangi is a jack of all trades, master of none. Average at most things, but not terrible at one thing really.
Looks like Breakers are trying to re-establish their core foundation getting him and Le'Afa. If Roth valued him then that's a good sign. Obviously a disappointing season and played more minutes than his talent warranted, but for someone that's hung around the league for so long, he'll be valuable as a veteran influence. Just like I've said how Teys got a bad rap in his time, Terangi is basically the same. Honestly, I would rather have had him than White or Harris, especially if Dech is gone. He'll stay in his lane, won't cause trouble and will be ready when called upon.
Everyone is raving about Delly, he only scored 6 points more than Terangi, both have the ability to just play by example to their teammates.
Le'Afa had the misfortune of trying to play for Brian's system. Would think NZ will go for import PG, who's the main back up between him and MM? Le'Afa is another one I'd much rather have than White or Harris as a backup, even with his shooting woes from last year.
In fact it would have made more sense that Cameron go to NZ and Le'Afa and/or Terangi come to Adelaide. NZ would have been perfect for a homecoming for an up and coming PG who may be face of the franchise in years to come and Adelaide needs some steady experienced vets.

While my earlier comments on Te Rangi hold for basketball reasons, Te Rangi is the perfect fit to re-establish the Breakers towards the culture that was set in the 2010's. Its an emotional return for the player who began his professional journey at 18 in the middle of the glory years, and has demonstrated in both SEM and Tasmania his ability to work in the community (I recall he won a community award in 2023).

But - Te Rangi is the fourth player on the Breakers whose primary position is the three. If the league was full of import wings like Casey Prather, I'd be highly concerned. At the same time, that's not the league we have today, and I'm comfortable if Te Rangi is the 12th man on this team.

Mennenga / Import
Local (Bolden?) / Local (Tait-Jones or Harris) / Davison
Lopez (NS) / Darling / Te Rangi
Import / Le'afa / Bairstow
Import / McCarron

Lol Sebastian!!

I can only think this is payback by the basketball gods for me laughing when tazzie signed him.

He can't even play D to a reasonable level.

I can just see the next signing being vodanovic...

God help the breakers please

NZ will be relying on their imports for huge scoring production but if they get it right like they have in previous seasons they might be ok, big might though.

I have seen a rumour that one or more local players may be released to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

The only two locals signed who aren't Kiwi's are Mitch McCarron & Sean Bairstow.

They just picked up Bairstow's option too.

The thing with the imports despite Walsh's meddling that ownership group did have good contacts for imports but that might be over now with their departure.

NZ had decent imports before Walsh due to the relationship with Jonathon Givony.
That relationship still exists.

Fair enough if they move on Mitch McCarron but I will be gutted if they cut Bairstow. He has a lot of upside and is young and will improve unlike TeRangi, hell I would have rather got Dan Fotu than TeRangi.
I read somewhere TeRangi was a culture signing.

They've just taken bairstows option so I can't see any way they would be releasing him.

I'm certain they would like to release mccarron (he was clearly out of favour with kop later last season) but they're not going to find someone willing to pick up his salary so at best they'll have to meet a portion or carry him in their roster

Maybe the best option for MM is to return to United. Arguably had his best years there, they've lost 2 PGs (unless we believe Flynn is a wing). Don't know the Clarke situation but they'll have to use an import spot there just in case Daniels isn't up to it straight away, and MM can babysit till then. I think he lost minutes because of injuries, being in new system and just not being at that level anymore to play major minutes because of his liabilities that got showcased in Adelaide. But capable to return to a system he knows and play a mentoring role, ironic since Terangi is returning for that reason mainly.
As for his defence, if it was so bad, why did Roth of all people task him with defensive assignments. May not have that NBA athleticism like Hickey that someone mentioned, but knew him limitations and was a decent defender. If he wasn't there's no way Roth would play him, especially since his offence is ordinary. So I'll rely on Roth's assessment, decent and trustworthy defender. It'll be interesting to see how Marshall copes in that system. I remember Deng getting continually dragged in his first year solely because of his lack of defence. But if Marshall puts in the effort he'll join the long long list of ex Sixers to thrive elsewhere.
Back to Breakers, I wonder how much of a say Koppinnen will have in the lineup? Obviously wouldn't have been happy his season was derailed by bringing in Tacko, but that was usual management meddling. He'd have his own contacts in Europe for imports. So a club that works together between management and coaches should prove a more settled environment.

Roth's assessment was that he didn't want him again so released him. If he valued his defence as much as you make out he wouldn't have released him?! Tells us own story really

Olgun on marketplace saying that Bolden & King unlikely to return to NZ and unlikely in the NBL.

Be nice if PJC can be retained for some continuity.

Bolden and King remind me of an old coach I had once who said "potential" is a dirty word, which means you haven't actually achieved anything yet. Both were frustrating for that reason, long and athletically gifted, you’re always waiting for them to impose themselves and it never ever happens. I can see how Le’afa replaces King and it will be interesting to see how they replace Bolden.

Potential = ain't achieved shit yet. My thinking re Reuben ( unapologetic a fan of FIBA TeRangi, but he will be a role player fr Breakers.
I’m picking that the few haters of Reuben on here who think they know better than Roth and Boucher, have never coached at a high level.

Bolden made the league and played minutes so he has achieved.
Mojave has the tools but hasn't put it all together yet.

I like Bolden & Menenga on the floor together.
Boldens crafty passing game and his reads often set guys up for bunnies, pre Tacko

Wow. Roth's decision to not vigorously pursue him was about getting more talent obviously, he's not building a team around Terangi, but with his time there he had his respect, especially on the defensive end and off court.
Maybe Roth's own words might make sense genius. Perhaps the story is Roth realised it was in Terangis best interests to finish his career in NZ and didn't stand in his way once he knew he was getting a 2 year deal, something Tassie couldn't commit to. So lose Terangi, Crawford and Krslovic but get younger and talented with new import, Marshall and likely Bannan.
So yeah kolzee, tells the whole story really.

"It's just a credit to him (Te Rangi) and I can't wrap my head around you not wanting a 30-year-old veteran that's been with the Tall Blacks, is a great human being and is a worker," Roth said.
"For him to not be on a roster I was quite shocked about and I hope that never transpires again for him.
He had always been a tremendous role player at all three clubs, playing whatever role asked of him and always being seen as a terrific team person, leader and character around the group.

You're making up the narrative. He was released by roth with no idea of he'd be signed or where. It makes a nice story but it's not true

I love the quote by the way, of when roth signed him. Ironically it transpired again... because Roth didn't want him in his roster!!

Terangi wasn't contracted for next season and wasn’t on a team option. Roth didn’t release him. The Breakers signed him as a free agent. That quote Phantom provided was from a Roth post game Presser towards the end of the season after Terangi had strung together some good games. JJs were not going to offer him a 2 year contract so he was not staying at the JJs. Terangi was far from worst on the JJs roster last year but Phantom will tell you being better than Hummer wasn’t hard.

I don't mind bolden, he improved a lot last season, especially his D ABs shot selection. But i just don't see a good fit with mennenga and he's too expensive as backup 4-5.

I'd okwera a chance to be signed for breakers as that role?

Bolden did improve, but he lacks grit. With your premium locals, which I imagine Bolden commands in salary, he's really not worth it. Even when Delany had his injury plagued season where he shot the ball poorly, the effort was there.

I coached Te Rangi as a junior. He hasn’t reached the ceiling he was capable of and has been consistently inconsistent in the NBL. However, he does have a lot of good off court value (now!) and cares about the Breakers. In some ways, the Breakers are repeating what Maor did in his first season: finding players that care about the club.

McCarron released. Equally surprised and unsurprised with this move. We do need a backup PG that's not named Alex McNaught (I wouldn’t consider Le’afa a 1, in 0-partially because Mody thought this in the championship run)

This could be a Taylor Britt signing (who may have improved enough last year to be reconsidered again for the NBl) or Taine Murray (who has the frame of McCarron and the potential to be a high quality NBL player but wouldn’t be a rotation player in 25-26).

Webster brother maybe?

Having been a Breakers fan since inception I hope it's not Tai Webster.
Corey and Tai have had enough chances and opportunities at Atlas place.

Pretty sure the NBL talking heads said Tai Webster intends to play overseas next season.

Hope so Zodiac

I can't help thinking kop is looking at bairstow as a PG. He played him a lot there as last season went on. Then sign two import guards.

In that case the roster would be something like:

Import/ local
Mennenga/Darling
Lopez/ davison/ te rangi
Import / le afa
Import (pjc please) / bairstow

Bairstow was safe as a PG, is a good creator and has the size and athleticism to exploit mismatches when he gets downhill. Le'afa, although his junior career was a PG, has handles that get exposed at 94 feet. I used to get so nervous against the JJs and Kings when WMW and Le’afa were on the court, it felt like a backcourt turnover was waiting to happen if pressure was applied.

At the end of the day, if it’s PJC he’s going to play major minutes. You then get an import combo guard and you’re sorted at the 1. The Breakers just need to get the person next to him right. Someone like DJ Newbill would be perfect.

Went quiet kolzee when facts come up. So not quite my narrative is it?

WTF?? Roth didn't want him this season. That's a fact and says it all. End of story.

That's my thought too essenx. I just can't see the roster working without import starting PG and SGs now. One needs to be very high level

I heard mulligan on his podcast say te rangi starting shooting guard but I can't see kop doing that

As good as Mulligan and Frank are, their "sauce" ain't great inside the club. Timprovise is a total waste of time.

I don’t believe Te Rangi even started regularly in his original stretch with the club, which Boucher will be familiar with. I doubt he’s starting this time.

A lot will turn on PJC. There was a lot of talk he was headed elsewhere, but with the ownership change it might have done enough for him to reconsider the Breakers. He does love Auckland.

Kolzee, Terangi being wanted more by NZ and hence getting a 2 year deal by no way means Roth didn't want him, just NZ wanted him more. Pretty simple thing to understand, someone gets a better offer so they take it. Roth has made comments about how he's happy former players get rewarded with better deals at other clubs, just proves that he and his system increase their value. So unlike places like Adelaide he attracts free agents who want to get better. After Terangi left SEM would anyone have thought he'd attract not just another NBL contract, but a multi year one. That's what Roth has done, taken rejects, win, they move on to greener pastures, not necessarily because he doesn't want them. Now he gets to pick what rejects he's going to turn around.
Did Roth not want McVeigh and so released him to the NBA?
Facts, end of story, you lose.

Mcveigh had an out clause. It wasn't roth's decision. Bad example. I'm not coming down to your level. You seem like a bottom feeder. See ya

Being a free agent is basically an out clause genius. It's not like when Perth got rid of Norton and Blanchfield who were under contract, that is a clear case of not being wanted.
Otherwise Perth wouldn't have wanted Cotton according to your logic, he left because he's getting a better deal elsewhere, not because the club doesn't want him. Not necessarily saying that Terangi would have been at Tassie next year, but where has Roth come out and said he didn't want him. Maybe Roth might have preferred him over Marshall but the decision was taken out of his hands by signing elsewhere which is what free agency is.
Even your put down of bottom feeder isn't appropriate in this exchange.
You're just wrong and can't admit it.

Your ramble is lost here phantom.

Breakers fans what's the thoughts on signing Loe. A lot of chat about it at the moment and they will need another local big. Could do worse than Loe and assuming they sign a rim protecting import then a more flexible option like Loe would work. Especially if he can get his three point shooting flowing again. Not sure of the money expected either because a younger option like okwera could be best if we're talking the same pay. I'm on the fence on this one

Well, there is some similarity between Rob Loe and Jonah Bolden as bigs who space the floor who have known to be both passive and inconsistent. While I would prefer Jonah in terms of his mobility around the floor, Bolden's likely going offshore so Loe does work. Certainly a downgrade though, and it will mean Mennenga needs to play the four spot.

Import / Loe
Mennenga / Local (Tait-Jones?) / Davison
Lopez (NS) / Darling / Te Rangi
Import / Le'afa
Import (PJC?) / Bairstow

If Bairstow is indeed going to play the backup 1, then we need two playmaking imports, Tait-Jones as the up-and-coming 4, a Gillespie/Pardon big who would be expected to play 26-28 minutes (without Bolden) and then replace Alex McNaught with Taine Murray as the DP. Its a solid roster to get into the play-in.

Even if Loe takes that Dane Pinneau spot on the end of the bench and plays behind Menenga and an Import C.
With McCarron getting dropped NZ need another veteran voice in the huddle and one with a bit of size and a decent 3ball isn't going to be a bad thing.

I wonder if Breakers have a shot at Hyrum Harris?

I don't get the sense Loe's the type of veteran presence you want a team to anchor around. I'd say Te Rangi holds that Pineau role.

Hyrum Harris appears to be re-signing with Perth, and as much as I'd be interested in him as a cultural fit, the potential of Tait-Jones after his Big West season can't be ignored.

I think I'd said it on here before but I would've preferred Harris to te rangi.

He's got a knack of disrupting passing lanes, picking up rebounds and some sneaky put ins. And whilst he doesn't shoot much, especially threes, he contributes consistently, ahead plays hard and isn't reliant on shooting form

Just seen on FB that Breakers have signed Taylor Britt.
Nothing against Taylor but did we really just release Mitch McCarron to sign Taylor Britt?

Mitch McCarron most likely was released so some of the money from his contract can be added to the contract for the yet to be announced import guard . Mitch McCarron with all due respect also does not provide the required on court leadership nor has the cultural fit wit the rest of the signed players.

Is Taylor Britt up to this level? Is he better than Isaac?

Agree with Maybe... I can only assume they've lightened the salary load significantly to put into starting import guards. And hopefully offering pjc a monster multi year deal

Realistically Britt will likely be fifth choice guard so little impact unless there's injuries

Assuming United doesn't want to lose their entire team from the last couple of years would think they'd be keen to keep Loe and he'd be keen to have a larger role than what NZ could offer. Unless of course Vickerman doesn't want him like Roth didn't want Terangi. That's the logic someone has if a player signs elsewhere, their previous coach didn't want them. So sad that all these players that switch teams every year, especially getting better deals were really unwanted. I remember LeBron being so unwanted by Cleveland he had to go to Miami.
Depending on the import situation Melbourne really only have Goulding and Ili left as the main contributors from back to back GF teams.
But Lee would be a good pickup for NZ if United continue to disintegrate, adds another dimension in their big man stocks.
Still say Bolden is overrated, especially if he's on decent money. Didn't he average 6ppg and 6rpg in 20 minutes and horrible 3 point percentage. My mate Reuben got 5 and 3 in 16 minutes.

Loe is confirmed and it sounds like Judd Flavell will be back as an assistant. Both smart signings. It also sounds like the Fall release is imminent too.

Is Tamatoa Isaac flying under the radar and will another NBL club pick him up?

It seems like salary is being sacrificed from others to do a PJC deal, which makes sense. Loe is a good fit alongside PJC. If you run a high pick with Mennenga and put Loe in a corner it's very hard to defend. While Bolden shot a lot of treys, he wasn't a very good shooter. He also took a lot of low IQ early shot clock shots, whereas Loe is a high IQ player. Loe will also add a bit of mongrel to the group, which is funny in its own way.

Import / Bairstow / Britt / Isaac / McNaughten
Import / Le'afa / Te Rangi
Lopez / Davis
Import / Darling
Mennenga / Loe

Did I miss anyone?

EssenX, that's the same lineup I've got for them at the moment, not sure where we'll see Bairstow end up playing though

I'm pretty sure kop will stay mennenga at 4 if they sign a big import 5

I see the rotation similar although Kop normally also plays darling at 4 I'm pretty sure and I think te rangi would see any time of the floor at 3

I saw davis on there and thought we'd signed Kendrick davis!! That would be nice.

My preference is the salary outlay for pjc but it would probably still be worthwhile for davis or kell i reckon

Big possibility with Rob Loe now signed that they go with an Import 4 to compliment the import guards.

Import / Britt / McNaught (DP)
Import / Le'afa / Isaac (DP)
Lopez (NS) / TeRangi / Davison
Import / Darling
Menenga / Loe

PJC or another stud PG, SG will be someone who can play off the PG and space the floor. Finally a strong athletic PF that can defend the rim and be an offensive lob threat.
Get PJC back if you can but as for any other teams imports from last season I think NZ recruits well enough to not need to pay overs for a Kendrick Davis or Trey Kell imo.
Glad the Tacko Fall circus is finally packing up the big top and leaving for greener pastures. Addition by subtraction.

It will be an import 4 who needs to be able to stuff the stat sheet across multiple categories. Harrell comes to mind, but he won't pass Boucher’s no dickheads rule. Brantley would be a good fit, as would Cheatham.

Yeah EssenX, Brantley, Cheatham or even Lamb but I think all of those 3x are earning way too much for the NBL.
I'm confident the Imports at least will be good .

I left Sean Bairstow off that roster lol

If we do only go with Loe and mennenga as 5s then if say we'll get targeted in the key and likely end up in foul trouble like MU in the finals. Would rather sign Marcus Lee at 5 and start mennenga at 4

Lamb would be perfect. He's strong enough to play the 4 and his shooting stroke alongside Mennenga and PJC would be gold.

Vickerman must really hate his players if he released Delly, White and Loe, 3 starting players. And there's still a possibility that he'll release his imports as he doesn't want them. This on top of not liking JLA or Hukporti, seems he's like Roth in not liking many of his players.
And must really hate Cameron to release him as well.
Or it could just be free agency that someone doesn't quite understand.

Let it go, The Phantom :)

Nah keep at it phantom. Just make it less rambling and troll-like... almost like you wrote it for someone else to read!

I didn't bother reading them lately cos I think you wrote it to release your own tension. I can smell the smoke from here. Not sure if it's fury or your fingers on the keyboard!!

I see taine murray signed with the bullets. Similar scenario to when flynn cameron signed with MU. Breakers down the track might wish they signed him instead of Britt or bairstow i suspect??

Murray is a 2 guard isn't he?

It’s phenomenal how much basketball has improved in New Zealand. Once upon a time Kiwi players were rare. When the Breakers started, was Rampton the only Kiwi playing elsewhere? The Breakers can’t sign everyone.

Does it have to be Breakers?
Too many locals for 1 team?
What's the obvious remedy?
Another team?
Couldn't be, could it?

I remember when Mark Dickel was an import at Victoria Titans. Not sure Tony Rampton was an import at Cairns?

At the time Dickel made his debut in the NBL I recall it being an oddity, he was a unicorn from NZ so to speak.

Rampton was at Townsville from memory

Initially Rampton was an import with Cairns because they had a low budget.

Yeah there were very few playing overseas. Aaron Fearne as well at cairns. He coached me after that. I played with the Rampton brothers too coincidentally. Before they got good and I turned rubbish!

Sorry I just had a look and it was Cairns and then a stint at the West Sydney Razorbacks.

Watched the Marketplace video this morning and on the Breakers depth chart there was no Max Darling lol.

Their depth chart was:

- / T.Britt / A.McNaught (DP)
- / Le'afa / K.Isaac (DP)
K.Lopez (NS) / S.Bairstow / R.TeRangi
- / - / C.Davison
S.Menenga / R.Loe

I guess they would have Darling as the backup 4.

John Saker and Stan Hill first kiwis to play pro in Euro league

If they nail the imports, it will be a very good team. Not necessarily on paper, just the likelihood of players playing for the right reasons and buying in. Like the Breakers team that went to the final under Maor and most of what the Jackjumpers have done, sometimes you can punch way above your weight when you have the right motivation.

Chemistry from playing together in the National team makes a lot of these new guys not new guys.
If Lopez can play at an even higher level and they can get some nice imports they might surprise a few people.

For sure but the key piece the breakers are missing is a high level spot up shooter. Even if they do sign pjc they'll be very short on reliable three shooters. Lopez is excellent but still next year is unlikely to provide that consistently

Just make sure the import 2 guard is a sniper and that the import 4 can throw it up from outside as well as being strong & athletic.

"An import 4 that can throw it up from outside as well as being strong & athletic."

You make it sound simple! Last thing i want is someone like jarrell martin or cam oliver throwing up ridiculous shots!! But yeah someone like brantley would be ideal

Breakers last 3 import Forwards have been Lamb, Brantley & Cheatham.
All high quality athletic players capable of hitting a 3 and also defensively sound. They were also able in all 3 instances to put another 2x other quality imports around those guys.

Lamb was automatic and, in fact, I'd put him up there with Penney and Goulding.

Brantley was acceptable from 3. Cheatham was sketchy.

Daniel Sokolovsky confirmed out. Some fans suggesting that, despite the early love between Kop and Sokolovsky, as the season progressed they did not get along and Sokolovsky wanted the top job. Flavell is a significant upgrade. I wonder if the other Euro clipboard holders are also gone. It would be great to see Aaron Young, Zico Coronel, Mike Fitchett, Aaron Fearne or even Cam Gliddon involved.

I saw that Laimonas Eglinskas is also leaving on FB.

The interview with Dillon Boucher on the NBL website is a good watch, explains what they are wanting in imports and basically why Wetzell & Delaney aren't signed.

I was surprised to hear PJC wasn't on huge money when he returned last season. Probably explains his attitude issues during the year and why he's reluctant to re-sign again, he re-signed when Maor was still the coach, then Walsh fucked the team over with Tacko after the 7-3 start plus he had obviously given them a bit of a discount on re-signing. No wonder he was pissed.

Yeah but be pissed at Walsh's ownership & management group, not Bouchers.
Best thing is that Boucher and this ownership group all have excellent reputations so if PJC asks around he's only going to hear positive things.
Plus they have retained a Coach that he likes playing for.
If he does sign wonder if he'll sneak attack TeRangi in practice for the shove in Tasmania lol.

According to the NBL talking heads he's not that keen to return.

Not surprised nor disappointed that Daniel Sokolovsky is out. Happens to most assistant coaches if they do not get the Head Coach job when that becomes vacant. Much better short and long term to see Flavell in that role. With a strong administrator in Boucher no surprise that Laimonas Eglinskas also has left. How many coaches really are needed in an NBL team? Maybe enough to just have Kop and Flavell if all of court stuff is well organised?

Is Shane Connolly staying?

The Te Rangi signing might offside PJC.

Sure there's talk about other teams interest in PJC but I think PJC is pissed at the league too. He got hammered at times.

The other thing is that although he was good, he wasn’t Cedric Jackson or Bryce Cotton. In his first year they put the ball in his hands in a number of game winning situations and he didn’t pull it off. Then whenever he had marquee match ups on Cotton, Cotton won the battles conclusively. As fun as he is to watch, the Breakers still might be able to find better than PJC.

PJC may just want the ball too much for the style of team oriented play which the Breakers will try to use next season . No point building a tough defensive unit with a strong team first culture if PJC needs to have the ball all the time .

Wow those are huge calls about pjc. If anything his strength is getting the ball to the spots he wants whether that's the lay up, open shooter or step back two.

His job was never to hit game winning threes even if he did it occasionally.

I don't recall seeing a PG in the league as balanced as pjc over the last five years other than cotton. Defensively I'm not sure there was a better guard two years ago.

I would much rather throw a large offer at pjc than 3/4 of that too an alternative guard unproven in the league

Ok Kolzee . my bad I accept your view is more factual . if PJC can come back with the same attitude he had when first joining the NBL then I am all for him joining the Breakers. His attitude was not the same this last season but then again no doubt the Walsh factor was a major influence .

I think PJC would like playing with this group but money talks.
I'm confident in their recruiting if PJC decides to go elsewhere, we’ll still end up with a great import PG.

Maybe - it's funny i had the same feeling about pjc the season gone but after hearing ruckers comments about him being mvp front runner at the start of the season it reminded me how my memory was tarnished by how he finished. And it's prob unfair to judge him on that. He was still trying hard but clearly frustrated

Speaking of imports - I haven't heard any rumour to this effect, but is the ideal 4-man for this team Zylan Cheatham?

I was thinking about fit - a definite four man who could play the 5 if absolutely required. Athletic, rebounding, defensive-minded big who can capitalise on a stretch 5 and take on some of the role Karim Lopez has when Karim's on the bench. Zylan seemed to have a good connection with PJC last season, and his stats in Japan don't necessarily shout more $$$ would be required.

Zylan wouldn't have a Kiwi of a similar mould taking his minutes (Finn) and not have a top-tier offensive threat taking his shots (Lamb). Lopez/Cheatham would bring 40+ minutes of athletic 'pop' on the offensive end, and Cheatham somehow shot 40% from 3 last season?

Also hearing the Breakers aren't signing a third import and will go for a low-level marquee instead. Like a Tai Webster marquee. I'm worried.

I think cheatham would be a great fit for breakers needs but coach would need to keep him near the paint and using his power. He had a tendency to drift to the corner which was so much easier on defenders. Anywhere around the key and heading towards the rim he was impossible to stop.

Isaac fotu would be a great addition and would be better use of marquee allocation

But boucher has gone on record as looking for three imports - PG, SG and PF - so I doubt he'll go back on that

Wouldn't mind Isaac Fotu but I don't know how his lateral foot speed is these days, particularly if he's going to play the 4 next to Mennenga/Loe. This is why Cheatham would be an interesting prospect - players that stretch the floor are exactly what we need to partner next to Zylan.

Multiple sources saying PJC is returning. Frankly shocked if this pans out.

Pyrocross - where are the rumours of pjc staying? I'm not sure why but a have a creeping suspicion he will. He's a majorly proud guy and wears his heart on his sleeve so my gut feeling is he's got unfinished business and not happy to finish on the note he did last season.

Breakers have put up a thank you post on social media to Mitch McCarron which confirms his release.
Can't wait for the Taco Fall one.

Sounds like Breakers have signed PJC and an announcement will follow the conclusion of the Lithuanian season in a few weeks time.