The Brisbane Bullets have sent shockwaves through the NBL after making sweeping changes to their import roster, cutting former league MVP Jaylen Adams and promising two swift replacement signings following a devastating season-ending injury to Casey Prather.
Double Blow for Struggling Bullets
The Bullets' season took a dramatic turn this week with two major setbacks. First, three-time championship winner Casey Prather suffered a career-threatening knee injury during Wednesday's 29-point loss to New Zealand Breakers. The import had been in career-best form before being ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on Thursday.
Just days later, the club made the unforced decision to release 2022 MVP Jaylen Adams ahead of Saturday's clash with league leaders Melbourne United. The move follows Adams' string of underwhelming performances and behavioural concerns that saw him benched for last month's Perth game.
Adams' Dramatic Form Slump
The 29-year-old American point guard has been a shadow of the player who led Sydney Kings to the championship three years ago. During his time in Brisbane, Adams recorded career-low numbers in points, rebounds and shooting percentages while committing a career-high 3.3 turnovers per game.
His final appearance proved particularly disappointing, managing just two points, two assists and two rebounds in Wednesday's heavy loss to the Breakers. Commentators Lanard Copeland and Derek Rucker publicly criticised Adams for his lack of intensity during the match.
"The decision to part ways with Adams comes as the Bullets struggle with a 5-8 record this season," a club spokesperson confirmed.
Rebuilding the Import Roster
Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts announced the club would move quickly to fill their import vacancies, stating: "We are making quick, decisive moves to ensure our import spots are filled with elite talent as soon as possible."
"Our club, our fans and our partners deserve a team that represents Brisbane with pride and professionalism. There will be two major announcements coming in the immediate future," Watts added.
The Bullets have already begun reshaping their roster, having replaced October departure Javon Freeman-Liberty with Dakota Mathias. Lamar Patterson, signed in the pre-season as an injury replacement, will return to the line-up alongside Mathias for Saturday's crucial match against Melbourne United.
With two import spots now vacant and pressure mounting to salvage their season, the Bullets face a critical period in their campaign as they seek to climb from their current mid-table position.
