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ADELAIDE's decision to pursue and sign "D and 3" specialist Bul Kuol for the next two seasons is an interesting one considering the 36ers never had a clue how best to utilise their previous South Sudanese defensive-minded 3-point shooter Sunday Dech who languished as a Sixer for five seasons.

Dech was the blueprint Kuol duplicated and, many would argue, improved. But the fact the NBL champion Sydney Kings were happy enough to part company with him should at least have raised a red flag.

Previously when the 36ers have recruited a player (or coach) no longer required by a championship-winning franchise - e.g. Mitch McCarron from Melbourne United, Conner Henry from Perth Wildcats - it hasn't turned into a positive.

Kuol has signed for two years but, given he had ACL surgery on his knee in January, he is unlikely to don the 36ers' blue before January, 2027.

That means the club will be trying to integrate him into the team at about half-to two-thirds of the way through next season.

Reviewing how successfully - or otherwise - they integrated Troy Browne, then John Jenkins this season just passed, it looks a risky move at best.

Yes, Bryce Cotton said somewhere he was pleased Bul would be a teammate rather than someone he has to deal with in opposition colours. But truth is he will be seeing him every day in practice. Eventually. Every. Single. Day.

Again it will be of interest how Mike Wells, the coach with the legendary temperament, handles that.

Kuol was a well-deserved NBL Rookie of the Year at Cairns Taipans in 2021-22 when his his 64 3-pointers set a league record for most triples by an Australian debutante. He also became the first rookie in NBL history to finish inside the Top 5 for 3-pointers in a season

His defensive reputation also was well-earnt. But by the time he was recruited to Sydney, some of that lateral quickness was compromised and he became better known for bear-hugging opponents off the ball, and whining to the officials on the mounting fouls he was being assessed.

In fact some might argue his injury was a blessing-in-disguise for the Kings as they were able to replace him with NBA swingman Torrey Craig who then played a major role in the club claiming the 2026 championship.

If Kuol could recapture his best, lose some of the entitled behaviour - which became a tedious burden in Sydney - and again locate his long-range stroke, he could still be an asset.

But Adelaide at best will only draw a year-and-a-half out of him and that's if its notable coaching staff can recognise how best to utilise his strengths.

Somewhere Sunday Dech is shaking his head.