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Motum expected for NBL debut against Kings
TweetIT was a tough ask of the 36ers today to keep a lid on Brock Motum speculation when he wandered into Adelaide Arena to watch the NBL game against New Zealand.
After all, the 24-year-old's previous destination was Salt Lake City with the Utah Jazz.
A week ago today, the Jazz released the 208cm power forward but there's little doubt he has an NBA game and maybe - just maybe - a little NBL seasoning a la James Ennis last year (and DeAndre Daniels, Jordy McRae and Scottie Wilbekin this season) will put him over the last hurdle.
The Brisbane-born forward, who started playing alongside good friend Brendan Teys some 15-odd years ago, enjoyed a solid World Cup campaign with the Boomers, revealing he had three-point range to go with the post-up moves.
He is very much in the mould of Daniel Johnson but with a little more emphasis at the defensive end of the floor too where DJ occasionally lapsed into an innocent bystander.
Motum arrived in Adelaide yesterday and while the final contract had not yet been signed today, it is believed to be for this season AND the 2015-16 season - unless the NBA sees the error of its ways.
Even so, his presence at Adelaide Arena, where he was privvy to coach Joey Wright's pre-game and immediately involved with the team, left no doubt the deal virtually is done.
The loser in this, of course, is Daequon Montreal, whose 10-point maximum on the NBL's Player Points System as an import made him the collateral damage necessary to accommodate Motum's 10-point status.
It's disappointing for Montreal who was so excited to finally get his NBL chance after years of great SEABL play, including a whopping 46-point game in last year's Grand Final for Dandenong.
His adjustment to the daily training regime, expectation and intensity has been spasmodic and his desperation to perform has led to bouts of cramping and even some on-court anxiety in his desire to play well.
Through it all - and Wright kept him informed from the moment the 36ers started negotiations with Motum - Montreal has maintained his good nature, commitment and class.
He gets it.
The unfortunate part is that although he looked very capable as an NBL import during the Blitz, his chances may be limited now, which would be a great shame.
I could see him making a huge contribution at Wollongong for example where, with Rhys Martin back, the need for two import guards seems far less pressing.
A shooter backing up Tim Coenraad would only help that program.
For now though, Motum is on his way in, expected to debut on Sunday in Sydney against the Kings.
Jamar Wilson (hamstring), who missed today's 93-86 win over the Breakers, will be back for that game and Richie Edwards - the replacement for Mitch Creek (ankle) - will have had another full week to get acquainted with the 36ers offence.
Teys had a career-high 23 points today, reaching his previous high of 17 by halftime after an 11-point first quarter.
"I had to let him know who's the big dog," Teys joked about pal Motum post-game.
Clearly, Motum already had made a big impression.
MATES: Brock Motum congratulates old friend Brendan Teys today.
