Melbourne United star Casey Prather racing clock to be fit as search for replacement widens

Injured import Casey Prather will be treated with kid gloves as he embarks on yet another comeback trail, with Melbourne United narrowing its search for his replacement.

Who will replace Casey Prather with Melbourne United?

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman says injured star Casey Prather must be “100 per cent” fit to be considered again for selection.

Prather has less than 70 days to shrug off a 4-6 week hamstring and then put in a “couple of weeks” of work in practice to get medical clearance.

The 28 year-old three-time NBL champion has managed just six games this season, having endured knee and back issues previously.

Live stream selected games of the 2019/20 NBL Season with ESPN on KAYO with your TV, Mobile, Tablet or Laptop. Get your 14 day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Casey Prather has had a wretched run with injury. Picture: Getty Images

The search for an injury replacement remains “ongoing” but United has been linked to ex-Utah Jazz wing Stanton Kidd, who is currently playing in Turkey.

Former import DJ Kennedy was sounded out also for the gig but a contract in Turkey, also, has prevented the forward from being able to commit.

Thinking about it https://t.co/tSckZSpsA8

— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) December 17, 2019

Ex-Los Angeles Laker Nick Young set the rumour mill into overdrive after declaring an interest on Twitter to playing in the NBL but United is not interested in the marksman.

Vickerman said Prather understands the importance of taking a “step back” to get right.

Nick Young fuelled rumours he could be headed down under on his Twitter account. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

DJ Kennedy would be the perfect replacement, but has a contract overseas. Picture: Getty Images

MORE HOOPS NEWS:

Melbourne United hunting import cover for gun swingman Casey Prather

John Roberson on his incredible shooting performance against Cairns Taipans and his plans for the future

Deflated United find ‘sense of urgency’ in win over Illawarra Hawks

The Logue Down: LaMelo Ball’s bid to fast-track NBL injury return

“It’s been such a bumpy road for him and this time we just got to make sure that he’s had some really good weeks of practice,” Vickerman said.

“You look back and say ‘did we rush him?’, I don’t think we rushed him, we tried to bring him back and just play smaller minutes, is that the right way to bring Casey Prather back or do you bring him back in where he’s absolutely ready to play 25 minutes?

“He’ll have to get through multiple weeks of practice to put himself in the (selection) situation … we’ll make the best decision for the club.”

It is not unfamiliar territory for United, who handled the exact situation two seasons back after Prather dislocated his elbow mid-season.

Former Jazz man Stanton Kidd has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Prather? Picture: NBAE/Getty Images

The star forward got back in time to help United win the championship.

United will travel to Perth today ahead of Saturday night’s Wildcats blockbuster.

Vickerman said physicality and offensive rebounds were central to United’s chances.

“Their ability to not only get second shots but get to the foul line pretty well against us are two areas I think that we have the ability to control … and both of those are your physicality and ability to slide,” Vickerman said.

“You only stay in the ball game if you get those parts right, then there is the execution component after that.”

Originally published as Melbourne United star Casey Prather racing clock to be fit as search for replacement widens