Humphries' Free Agency Fate Still Undecided

Melbourne United centre Isaac Humphries has emerged as one of the most high-profile local free agents heading into NBL24, and the shot blocking centre says there’s been little movement in contract talks with his side.

Humphries, who signed a one-year deal with Melbourne after experiencing a horror run of injury, bounced back from years of setbacks to pull together a strong NBL campaign.

After managing just six games in NBL22 he played 23 this past season and averaged 9.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.

“I’ve had a good season, so I go into free agency pretty excited,” Humphries told NBL Media. “But you just never know.

“I love Melbourne and I love Melbourne United – we’ve gone through a lot physically and absolutely emotionally, but we’ll see.

“I would love there to be [progress] because I don’t want to stress anymore … but we’ll see.

“It’s totally out of my hands and I don’t make those decisions.”

With the NBL off-season comes vast amounts of player movement. Even before the end of the Playoffs the likes of Will Magnay, Antonius Cleveland, Jack McVeigh and Mitch Creek have all confirmed international off-season moves before returning to the country for NBL24.

Humphries, who in the past has elected to play in the NBA Summer League, is as of yet unsigned at any level for the off-season.

After taking part in this week’s Boomers games against Bahrain and Kazakhstan he says he’ll likely head to America to continue his injury recovery.

“As of now I’ll go to America to use my trainers over there to keep getting my body right,” he said.

“I went straight from the season to [Boomers camp] so I haven’t had the chance to suss out any off-season hoops, but usually I like to take the time to get my body a bit better.

“It takes years – it really does when you’ve been out for so long. I’ll use my time to be rehabbing more and getting my body right over in the US.”

Humphries and the Boomers take on Bahrain on Thursday night before facing Kazakhstan on Sunday afternoon.