Veteran guard finds way to Breakers

The New Zealand Breakers have secured the signing of veteran point guard Mitch McCarron on a two-year deal.

The Breakers will be the fourth NBL club across McCarron's career, after he started with the Cairns Taipans in NBL17, and then turned out for Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers.

He was a member of the All-NBL Second Team in 2021.

McCarron captained the 36ers in each of the past two seasons, but saw a significant reduction in his game time across NBL24, averaging just 18.9 minutes, compared to 30.2 the year previous.

Breakers coach Mody Maor says the 31-year-old is a proven winner, and could help fill the void left by Tom Abercrombie, who recently retired.

"We have lost in the off-season significant players who knew what winning looks like, who knew what winning habits look like," he said.

"It's essential to bring into the building players who have this experience and can lead us with their words and hold other players accountable. Mitch McCarron definitely fits that role."

Maor believes McCarron can form a dynamic duo with star import Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

"I think Mitch and Parker are a perfect pairing," he said.

"Parker will make an advantage, and Mitch will take it from there. I see this being really fruitful.

"Mitch is a championships-calibre player and belongs on winning teams. The role he will play for us will be much more similar to the role he played at Melbourne United, where he won a championship, than his time in Adelaide.

"I can see Mitch and Parker really playing off each other."

McCarron said he's confident of getting back to his very best form in New Zealand.

"My game can reach a new level under Mody. Based on our discussions, he understands who I am as a player and how to get the most out of me," he added.