Aussie Ryan Broekhoff cut by Dallas Mavericks as Olympiacos emerges as potential destination
The ruthless reality of the NBA has claimed another Aussie, with Ryan Broekhoff jettisoned by the Dallas Mavericks. It appears now he will have to decide between continuing to chase the NBA dream, or departing to play under a familiar face.
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Cut by the Dallas Mavericks last night, Aussie sharpshooter Ryan Broekhoff should have no shortage of potential NBA suitors.
But Greek powerhouse Olympiacos has reportedly emerged as a potential destination for the well-travelled veteran.
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The 29-year-old — who has made more than 40 per cent of his three-point attempts across his 59-game career — will now hunt a new job after the Mavericks used his roster spot to sign former Charlotte forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Broekhoff was a much-loved figure in the Mavericks locker room, but his low wage — US$1.4 million — was the easiest path for the club to clear a roster spot.
He used Instagram to issue a classy thanks to fans, teammates and the organisation.
“Been a pleasure. Thank you to the @dallasmavs for the opportunity,” Broekhoff wrote.
“Thank you to the fans for all your support.
“Thank you coaches who have helped guide me and a special thank you to all my teammates.
“Enjoyed everyday going to work with you guys. Who knows what the future holds.”
Dallas executive Tony Ronzone hailed Broekhoff as a “great person” and said the decision to part ways was “very hard”.
“Ryan was a stud and was liked by all and everyone in our organisation,” Ronzone told the Herald Sun.
“I’m hoping he will get picked up.”
Israeli sports journalist Josh Halickman tweeted Olympiacos would look to sign Broekhoff.
Broekhoff played under Olympiacos coach Georgios Bartzokas during 2015-16 while at Russian team Lokomotiv Kuban.
Exclusive: Olympiacos will look to sign to soon to be waived Dallas Mavericks SG/SF Ryan Broekhoff for the next 2 years. Broekhoff played under Coach Georgios Bartzokas at Kuban during the 2015/16 season.
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But his future should hopefully hold more NBA experience, given his one discernible skill is making buckets from range — a valuable commodity in today’s three-point-driven league.
He’s the second Australian cut by their NBA team in the past week, with Jonah Bolden sent packing by the Philadelphia 76ers on the weekend.
Originally published as Aussie Ryan Broekhoff cut by Dallas Mavericks as Olympiacos emerges as potential destination