Former NBA big, King, reportedly inks deal with Breakers

The New Zealand Breakers have entered this free agency period with just three confirmed fully-rostered players, but ESPN’s Olgun Uluc has reported Mody Maor’s side is set to make a serious splash this off-season.

Former Philadelphia 76er Jonah Bolden made his return to professional basketball with the Sydney Kings last season, and the former NBA role-player will reportedly take his talents across the Bass Strait this season to link up with the Breakers.

Bolden showed flashes of his immense ability in his return season with the Kings. He scored 28 points in a defeat to Perth, while he had two performances where he made 15 rebounds during the campaign.

“This is someone we all thought would be lost to the NBL,” Uluc said on The Marketplace. “He had an up-and-down but largely good season with the Sydney Kings that earned him a lot of money wherever he wanted to go.

“There are a lot of teams who were interested, but a lot of teams who thought they would be priced out. The New Zealand Breakers are a team that is reshuffling what they’re doing from a local perspective.

“Jonah Bolden fills that hole when it comes to a high level local … the idea of someone like Jonah Bolden, the three-point marksmanship opening the floor with his shooting for Parker Jackson-Cartwright is a good sign for New Zealand.”

After a season finding his feet in the professional game again, Derek Rucker believes Bolden could become one of the NBL’s top players this upcoming season.

“I think Jonah needs another year in the NBL,” Derek Rucker said. “I didn’t love the way he was utilised by the Sydney Kings this past season, but all the blame doesn’t go on the coach and the coaching staff. Some of that falls back on the player.

“It wasn’t a bad year in terms of returning to the league after so much time away, but he probably – and I want to be measured about this – didn’t reach the levels of his talent I think it should have been.

“Maybe a change to potentially New Zealand and a different culture could be the boost he needs, because I think he’s still an NBA player.”

Former Next Star reportedly returns to the NBL with New Zealand

Former NBL Next Star Mojave King will reportedly return to the NBL with the New Zealand Breakers following two seasons playing in the United States since his last NBL stint according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc.

King played as a Next Star for the 36ers and Taipans before heading to the G-League Ignite, where he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, and traded to the Indiana Pacers.

He spent this past season representing Indiana’s G-League affiliate, the Mad Ants.

Uluc and Derek Rucker say the Breakers could have acquired one of the signings of the season if King can reach his potential.

“There’s something in Mojave King that Mody Maor likes, there’s an untouched talent there – potential. Whether he reaches it, we don’t know, but at the very least Mojave King is the idea of an excellent basketball player,” Uluc said.

“I can disclose they had some pretty frank conversations about drive, motivation and aspirations. I think Mo was able to satisfy Mody’s questions and now he gets the opportunity,” Rucker added.

“Mojave King is 21. He’d still be in college potentially, he’s played four years as a pro, he’s still figuring out what it’s all about. I saw him on Thursday night in Brisbane and he’s hungry. He’s had a bad run with injuries but as some point it comes down to you.

“You have to look at yourself in the mirror and say ‘it’s my time, it’s time I become professional and handle my business. I think now he’s in a situation where he gets that opportunity.

Veteran point guard finds fourth NBL home?

Former All-NBL Second Team nominee and NBL champion Mitch McCarron has reportedly joined Mody Maor’s project in New Zealand, with ESPN’s Olgun Uluc signing a two-year deal.

McCarron initially signed a three-year deal with the Adelaide 36ers following his successful, title-winning season with Melbourne United in NBL21, however he fell out of favour under interim coach Scott Ninnis last season, who preferred a starting guard pair of DJ Vasiljevic and Trey Kell III.

The former Cairns and United guard averaged a career-low 4.6 points per game in NBL24.

Uluc says a lack of true point guards in this season's free agency market made McCarron a hot commodity.

“McCarron shot it well last season so you can envisage a season where he plays alongside PJC,” Uluc said. “The only thing is there weren’t many point guard options this off-season from a local perspective. Once Shaun Bruce re-signed with Sydney, there’s not much out there.

“Mitch McCarron was really sought after. There was a two-year extension for Mitch Norton, because having a backup point guard who can actually handle the ball – when we talk about the two teams who were in the Championship Series were teams that had a lot of depth when it comes to ball carriers.

“When teams were thinking about what they were doing this free agency, big men dropped by the wayside and was almost secondary to getting key ball carriers."

“I was doubtful as to whether McCarron could find another good, suitable spot. I think this is the perfect place for him to go," Derek Rucker added.

"This is perfect for Mitch McCarron, he gets to come in there an be a real complementary player which I think is where he’s most comfortable. Playing off PJC if he’s on the floor at the same time being that secondary ball-handler, we know he’s got the talent. He’s a great creator who has good court vision."