Hoops

Wright's comment about replacing locals vs imports

Deng ankle

Fair enough. I didn’t watch the entire presser. But from what I saw he was just disappointed that DeLeon had to make way. It’s possible he’s both sad for DeLeon and in agreement with management that a new import was required.

Beantown, Logically I would've thought so too but after watching that whole five minute presser when he made these comments he looked completely miserable.

I think Joey was just sending a tough message to some of his under-performing players. Nothing more than that.

Zodiac, why do you think replacing DeLeon with Conger would have been against Joey's wishes? Surely he would have been on board with the change before management acted? I think its more likely he just respects DeLeon and wishes he didn't have to cut him, but knows he has to, save the Sixers season.

Yeah I think people are taking what Joey said too seriously he's just pissed off that his buddy Deleon got cut and likely against his wishes and Joey probably loved how hard Deleon worked and doesn't like how a few of the locals don't work as hard as he did.

boti just reminded me that we got hodge here mid november for 100k a month....
deleon was a patsy....

I would have thought he is simply pointing out to the general public, what to us is obvious.
That its easy to replace imports, because there are thousands to choose from, but replacing locals of any quality if extremely difficult, especially mid season.

So Therefore, whilst (in his mind) Deleon may not have been the worst underperformer, he was the easiest to replace.

Whilst Sobey has great moments and huge highlights, is he really that consistent star you can rely on. Hate him or not, Goulding is always a danger, Martin is always the best defender and leader in court, etc. Maybe time has run out for Sobey to go to NBA but his athleticism is up there for his position and could make a few plays in garbage time that could make highlights. But he's not a player you can depend on week in week out. What Adelaide is missing is someone like Creek who might not be firing on offence but will always be depended on to battle. Joey has benched Sobey many times in the past, personally I think it's him being referred to because he hasn't made that next step into all nbl consideration. Drmic and Deng are scorers primarily, defence won't keep them out there. Pity they haven't got an energy guy on the bench, they even went with BJ against Brisbane the other week to fire them up.
Love Joey but really think his development players are really odd selections, Hoffman, Deng etc. They'll never make an nbl roster, all they are are training players. Some can't even play at premier league level, surely there are some kids like a Adnam that can come on and maybe change the complexion of the game. Like the old days of Brett Wheeler and the Wild Thing chant, Scotty Ninnis etc.

Joey talks about comfortable Aussies. He's created this himself. Long term deals for players of the calibre of Teys Doyle McVey send a very poor message all around. More imports is not the answer, the quality of imports is not great outside of the top few.

There are plenty of guys in the league who either shouldn't have a contract, or shouldn't have a contract at the pay rate their in, or shouldn't be playing the minutes they're playing. As the league expands the need to up import quotas to maintain and improve the standard of the league becomes paramount. You could probably make an entire team of guys in the NBL who should barely even be paid to play the game, and we're about to add another team to the league, which suggests to me there will be more of them (and yes, of course some good ones too). I think that needs to be nipped in the ass.

paul - sign a two/three year deal, chillax at the beginning, just do enough and turn it up in the contract year.

Not sure why we'd split shifts watching a game. Maybe your concentration span is poor or something.

Untouchable? Please, if you're playing poorly your minutes drop and your future employment is in jeopardy. Don't drink Joey's kool aid.

The problem is once in the NBL locals do get complacent. It's human nature if you know you're untouchable during the season.

So Adelaide have the reigning All NBL first teamer in DJ, stud (supposedly) import in Wylie and the next Kevin Garnett in Majok Deng... its obvious that Joey is upset about having to try and find minutes for Harry Froling

"And I also agree that there should be some expectation that Australian players turn up or get turned down."

There is. There are only about 50 Australians in the league, not many spots for poor performers.

No we don’t. Do you ever think before typing?

Replace them with imports possibly. As the league grows we need to loosen import restrictions

Food for thought, and replace them from where though?

Was it a decision by the front office? I thought Joey had total control. Either way they've improved the roster and given fans something to look forward to.

Ironically, DeLeon actually started to do what most hoped he'd do and that's penetrate and make plays in that game against Sydney. Couple that with the occasional scoring explosion and he is doing his role. Can't pass up Conger though.

Yeah the usual line from Joey is that an import didn't work out. This time he's basically blamed the Aussies for it, because Deleon is his mate. But having said that, there are definitely Aussies on the team not pulling their weight. And I also agree that there should be some expectation that Australian players turn up or get turned down.

He could have been “stuck” with Creek if his NBA gig didn’t work out but the club kinda stuffed him over on that one.

Oh yeah I'm sure Joey is just so outraged to pick up Conger at the expense of DeLeon when the team is under pressure. I know that's missing his point a little and I'm sure it's a rev up to his team to lift as much as anything, but where has this been before regarding all the over imports he's cut/have been cut?

I didn't view this article, but most coaches would kill to have Wright's Australian contingent.

Who is Joey 'stuck with' (connotation being he'd here but I don't want him'?

Imports paid monthly and can usually be cut free by a certain point. Locals have to be paid out.

Game 6 underway with the heat on top so far at half time Lebron with 30 the most first half points in NBA history.