In The Post – Kings star imports out

Catch up on all the latest headlines from around the basketball world in today’s edition of In the Post.

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Adams, Martin out for Kings

Sydney Kings star import duo Jarell Martin (COVID) and Jaylen Adams (illness) will miss tonight’s game against Cairns.

“We had a few guys out, tired, sick. It’s not great, to be honest. We have some guys coming back from injury and, hopefully, within a few days. We have one COVID case. Everyone else has tested negative so far, but we definitely have some guys out not feeling that great,” coach Chase Buford said via the Sydney Morning Herald.

Law in doubt

The West Australian has reported the Perth Wildcats will enter this weekend’s crucial Round 21 doubleheader “knowing they will be without star import Vic Law”.

Law injured his ankle against Cairns on Saturday and hasn’t trained since. He was spotted in a moonboot at training yesterday.

Award finalists revealed

The NBL has revealed the finalists for this season’s awards, including MVP and Coach of the Year.

Click here to see all award finalists and details on the Andrew Gaze MVP Awards Night.

NBL looking at play-in tournament 

The NBL is looking at options to introduce an NBA style play-in tournament next season to help extend the finals series.

“We have seen how successful the Play-In Tournament has been in the NBA and think it would be a great addition to the NBL season. It will create more excitement for fans, keep teams alive for longer during the season and make the race to the finals even more tantalising,” Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger told Newscorp.

Kings can achieve more: Adams

MVP finalist Jaylen Adams believes the Sydney Kings can achieve more than a 13-game winning streak this season.

“I'll say this. It (the MVP) was a goal of mine coming here. It's not something I haven't talked about coming into the season. The more the season has gone along, I just want to win. That's what does it for me, coming in and winning games and playing at a high level as a team. We've done special things this season and I think we can accomplish more,” Adams told ESPN.

Forde mum on Machado future

Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde has provided minimal insight on Scott Machado’s future with the club.

“There will be an appropriate time where we discuss that with Mark (Beecroft) and management about how we want to shape our roster for next year,” Forde said via the Cairns Post.

JackJumpers not looking ahead

Tasmania JackJumpers star Josh Adams says the team is solely focused on Saturday’s clash with Melbourne United, and not a potential dream finals berth.

“As far as we’re concerned there’s only one game left. Going up against the defending champs is going to be a tough game but we have our crowd behind us,” Adams said via The Mercury.

Ili shies away from attention

Nominated for Best Sixth Man and Defensive Player of the Year, Melbourne United’s Shea Ili has shied away from the increased attention around his performances.

“I don’t really look into it too much. I don’t like to crow about what I do on the court, I don’t like really hearing people say how good I am,” Ili told Newscorp.

Bruce reacts to trash talking win

Sydney’s Shaun Bruce has been declared the league’s best trash talker by his peers, after he received the most votes in Newscorp’s player poll.

“I’m not saying anything personal out there, it is just something to get my opponent off his game a little bit or thinking about me a bit more. To get that many votes, I guess players have reacted to what I’ve said, but as someone not as talented as other guys in the league, you take whatever you can get with them getting worried about something else,” Bruce told Newscorp.