Why Josh Adams Was Let Go

The Tasmania JackJumpers have defended their position not to re-sign Josh Adams, following the star guard’s fiery online spat with a fan.

“Unfortunately, negotiations with Josh Adams and his management didn’t work out, as both parties were unable to come to a suitable agreement,” the club said on Thursday.

“We wish Josh all the best for the future.”

Adams was accused of chasing money on social media and hit back hard saying he is “deeply heartbroken” not to be playing in the NBL next season, while defending “speculation and lies” about his departure.

“Your coach (Scott Roth) made the decision that he didn’t want me,” he replied to his detractors on Instagram.

“So all of you need to get out of my comments calling me a traitor and that I left for money.

“I played my heart out for them and I love my brothers. So get your facts straight or put your phone down … don’t assume you know and speak on my situation … I haven’t signed anywhere, nor do I have anywhere that I can sign right now.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">His name ain&#39;t Jack but he&#39;s a jumper ?<br><br>Josh Adams takes flight in MyState Bank Arena. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBLBlitz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBLBlitz</a> live on <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> ?<a href="https://twitter.com/tasmania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tasmania</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DiscoverTasmania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DiscoverTasmania</a> <a href="https://t.co/Aa0hvrdYt8">pic.twitter.com/Aa0hvrdYt8</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1459714700220928003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 28-year-old, who is still to decide where he will play next, has since provided further clarity around the comments.

“I noticed there has been a lot of incorrect speculation and lies about to why I am not with Tassie any longer and I wanted to send out a quick message to my teammates and the fans,” he said on Wednesday. 

“The year I spent with the JackJumpers was one of, if not the most memorable, and most exciting years of my professional career.

“The group of guys I hooped with changed my life and reignited my passion for the game. I love my brothers and would do anything for them. Most of the fans welcomed me in as if I was part of your family, and I will never ever forget that.

“I gave everything I had every game and left my heart on the floor … I hope that came across in how I played the game.

“While I am deeply heartbroken that I won’t be back this season, I wish my brothers, and the JackJumpers the best. Love you all.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JOSH ADAMS. TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS. ABSOLUTE SCENES<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBLFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBLFinals</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNAusNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNAusNZ</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> <a href="https://t.co/p3yP0gfSSN">pic.twitter.com/p3yP0gfSSN</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1521088370499223552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Adams was one of the stars of the most recent NBL campaign, averaging over 17 points a game, and starring in the JackJumpers’ memorable run to the Grand Final.  

American guard Milton Doyle has been added to the Tasmanian roster for the 2022/2023 season, alongside forward Rashard Kelly, who replaces MiKyle McIntosh.

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth recently re-signed for a further three seasons.