Nathan Sobey says opportunity and not a clash with coach Joey Wright was behind his decision to leave Adelaide and join Brisbane

Nathan Sobey admits to butting heads with coach Joey Wright but says their relationship remains strong and has nothing to do with his decision to leave the Adelaide 36ers and sign with Brisbane.

Demitrius Conger and Nathan Sobey ponder lost chances during a loss to Melbourne United. Picture SARAH REED

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Nathan Sobey admits to butting heads with coach Joey Wright but says their relationship remains strong and has nothing to do with his decision to leave the Adelaide 36ers and sign with Brisbane.

Speaking for the first time since he signed a three-year deal with the Bullets as a free agent and decided to leave Adelaide where he was vice-captain, Sobey says he needed a fresh start and new challenges to improve his game.

Sobey was a fan favourite at the 36ers and thrilled the crowd with his game above the rim. Picture: Sarah Reed.

The 28-year-old shooting guard is currently playing in France but says he has organised to catch up with Wright and his 36ers teammates when he gets back and before leaving for Brisbane.

“Joey and I both have very strong and competitive personalities which leads to sometimes butting heads but it’s because we’re both passionate about what we do,” Sobey said.

“We never held grudges though, it has never been taken personally. We have planned a catch up once I get back from France and before we leave to Brisbane.

“And of course it’s extremely hard to say goodbye to my teammates, they have become like brothers to me.

“I’ve had conversations with them and they all knew that there was a possibility that I would be leaving.

”It's not easy leaving a club, a team and a coach you’ve been with for four years but we did need a new start and new challenges.

“I get to learn and grow from a new place, new coaching staff and a new team, and sometimes you get too comfortable in a situation and the best way to grow and improve is to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself in a new environment.”

36ers coach Joey Wright with departing star Nathan Sobey. Picture: AAP Image/Brenton Edwards

Sobey — Adelaide’s reigning two-time defensive player of the year — says the major factor behind his decision to leave is to develop himself as a point guard.

“I decided to go play for the Bullets for a few reasons, but the main one being opportunity and game development,” he said.

“I’ve been coached by (Andrej) Lemanis and CJ (Bruton) while playing for the Boomers and I’ll get the chance to play under Sam McKinnon, and I believe they can help me develop my game especially at the point guard position.

“I believe I needed a fresh start and new challenges. At Brisbane I’ll be able to develop my half-court game as well as my game at the point.”

He hopes to get another opportunity in the NBA summer league this season and says he has been inspired by watching friend and former teammate Mitch Creek play at NBA level this year.

Sobey had 25 points in Adelaide’s NBA pre-season game against Utah in October and hasn’t given up hope of playing summer league this season. Picture: Gene Sweeney Jr. (Getty)

“That’s always the goal and I will always work as hard as I can to be the best I can be,” Sobey said.

“I’m not too sure what will happen with summer league, right now I’m just focused on winning with my team here in France.

“What Creeky has accomplished this year is amazing. He took a chance and he’s been able to prove himself.

“I think all of his old teammates and all his fans back in Australia are following him on his journey in the US to see if he lands a contract — we’re all rooting for him and I couldn’t be happier for the guy.”

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