Can “teetering” United weather the storm?

Losing five of their last six games a month out from Finals has 1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker concerned for Melbourne United. 

United’s form slump has come during their annual gruelling January road trip, with the team not playing a home game until February 1.

“Melbourne United are teetering, and this is a team who we give so much latitude towards because of their championship pedigree…I’m starting to get concerned,” Rucker said on Moments That Mattered. 

“Throw that Cairns game out, I’m not counting that Cairns game…they’ve lost five in a row in my opinion.  

“Where does the change occur? Chris Goulding has been back in the lineup long enough now that you thought that everybody would have gelled properly but maybe this road trip isn’t gonna be the blessing that we all thought it was where they could come together and rally around one another.”

Despite Rucker’s concerns, he still maintains a level of confidence that Dean Vickerman will be able to lead United out of their current predicament. 

“I know they’re going to come through this. My heart, my brain, my basketball soul tells me they’re going to be alright,” Rucker said.  

“You know what’s not alright? Losing five out of six and your defence looking absolutely resistant free. They can’t stop anybody. 

“They have a massive game Thursday night in Sydney, and I expect we see the full steam of Melbourne United on display in that one.” 

United face the Kings on Thursday night at 7:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.