United eyeing Lee return?

The departure of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Ariel Hukporti from Melbourne United has left a huge hole in the NBL24 runners-up, and while the club has already secured the signing of Kiwi veteran Rob Loe, Dean Vickerman has named a pair of players he’s keeping his eye on to bolster United’s center position.

Former Melbourne big Marcus Lee could return to the club following his release from the Tasmania JackJumpers, while ex-NBA big Mangok Mathiang could join United as his third NBL team in three seasons.

Lee was named as United Defensive Player of the Year in NBL23 after he joined the club mid-season to replace fellow import Jordan Caroline.

Mathiang, on the other hand, has carved out a niche in the NBL as a high-energy, shot-blocking big since his return from injury two seasons ago.

“Marcus will be someone who we certainly talk to,” Vickerman told News Corp. “We loved him at our club and we played pretty well when he was with us.

“I thought Mangok’s second half of the year with the Breakers was really solid. I thought he got back to really the core of where he’s great and what he can offer a team, so he’s an interesting one for us.”

News Corp reported United is also open to leaving a center position open to scout during NBA Summer League.

For the full story head to >> Melbourne United offseason news: Luke Travers NBA dream live, Jack White mulls return as roster takes shape.