Adnam to be Left in the Cold for NBL24?

While NBL Free Agency is an exciting time for fanbases, new players, and coaches alike – spare a thought for those who have their NBL dreams placed on hold, or totally ruined, by the failure to pick up a roster spot for the impending season.

As more and more local guard positions are filled, the outlook is beginning to look murky for 216-game NBL veteran and 2018 champion Kyle Adnam who, as it stands, is without a club.

Named as one of South East Melbourne’s co-captains for NBL23, Adnam made 27 appearances across the side’s most recent campaign and averaged over 12 points per game as recently as 2021.

“I look around the league and the potential spots that exist for a player like Kyle Adnam, and I don’t see one,” ESPN Insider Olgun Uluc said on The Marketplace.

“The thinking from decision-makers in the league is that Adnam will more than likely not be in the NBL this season.

South East Melbourne’s newest signing Ben Ayre could conceivably have been signed as a near like for like replacement for the 29-year-old, and the former Taipan has agreed a two-year deal with the club.

Ayre took the league by storm in NBL22 with a 20-point, 10 assist performance as an injury replacement player and earned a place on the side’s full roster for the first time last season.

His team option was declined by the Taipans heading into NBL24, leaving him available to sign with South East Melbourne for the new campaign.

“I think he gives them what they need off the bench which is some offensive punch and some shooting,” Uluc said of Ayre.

“We look at the ancillary guys and there isn’t too much shooting there,

“When you look at the way that team operates which is a lot of Mitch Creek and Alan Williams out of the post you want a shooter there.

“I think Ben Ayre gives that to them.”

Ayre and the Phoenix will first hit the floor in NBL24 in the opening game of the new season, when they take on Melbourne United on September 28.