36ers blow-up: Kendric Davis, Mike Wells, Isaac Humphries at centre of NBL club’s toxic stand-off

Adelaide’s NBL season is at breaking point with details emerging of a locker room feud between a high profile player and coach that prompted secret meetings to save the Sixers’ campaign.

A locker room blow-up between Adelaide coach Mike Wells and star import Kendric Davis has some within the club fearing the relationship has become too toxic to repair.

Two weeks after a crisis meeting that had Sixers’ coaching staff and players vowing to accept open and honest criticism, Adelaide was forced into damage control following Monday night’s narrow home win over Illawarra.

Sources told Code Sports Wells, who had been dealing with the stress of news his 91-year-old father was undergoing open heart surgery in the US on the same day the Sixers faced the Hawks, was frustrated with his side’s second-half performance.

The 36ers nearly gave up a 25-point lead to the ladder leaders in the 91-88 win.

Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells. Picture: Getty Images

A source said emotions spilt over as Wells addressed the group and it is understood he singled out big man Isaac Humphries.

Code understands that Wells took aim at Humphries’ body language and admonished the 27-year-old for “throwing him under the bus” when he told media on December 28 “no one knows their role”.

Sources say Davis went in to bat for his teammate, delivering an expletive-laden tirade at the coach in front of players, Wells’ family and a number of Adelaide powerbrokers who were in the rooms.

Isaac Humphries’ body language during a game, and previous media comments, earned Mike Wells’ ire. Picture: Getty Images

High-level talks were held between officials, players and coaches in a “tough” day on Tuesday and on Wednesday the group held another meeting, this one attended by club owner Grant Kelley.

It’s understood Kelley, Wells and captain DJ Vasiljevic all addressed the meeting, the coach offering an unreserved apology to both Humphries and the group.

This is not the first run-in between Wells and Davis, with the coach and star guard clashing back in November during the FIBA break.

A club insider told Code the run-ins had become increasingly regular.

Kendric Davis went into bat for Humphries, but the relationship with coach Mike Wells may be too toxic to repair. Picture: Getty Images

The source said Davis can be difficult to be around and, despite his superlative play, his behaviour has worn thin on teammates.

The Sixers want to keep Davis long-term but there is speculation that won’t happen if Wells is at the helm next season.

But club officials reportedly still hold out hope that the pair can strike a better relationship and the 36ers can make a playoff run after wins over top-four teams Sydney, Melbourne United and Illawarra and a heartbreaking overtime loss to Tasmania.

Originally published as 36ers blow-up: Kendric Davis, Mike Wells, Isaac Humphries at centre of NBL club’s toxic stand-off