Crosscourt: Sydney Kings co-owner Luc Longley lays into his team’s ‘anaemic’ defence
Sydney Kings co-owner Luc Longley has labelled the Kings’ defence ‘anaemic’, calling on everyone at the franchise to ‘do a better job’ and not ‘waste everyone’s time’.
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Longley calls out Kings defence
Sydney Kings co-owner Luc Longley has labelled the Kings’ defence “anaemic”, calling on everyone at the franchise to “do a better job” and not “waste everyone’s time”.
The affable and respected Longley doesn’t overstate, so when he talks, you listen.
The Australian hoops legend had a front-row seat to Sydney’s blowout home loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday – and he wasn’t impressed.
Longley isn’t solely blaming the coach or individual players, rather calling on a collective effort to ensure the Kings correct their defensive slide this season.
He says a week to prepare for Sunday’s away trip to take on the JackJumpers in Tasmania is a positive, but it won’t mean a thing unless the players dramatically improve their intent – especially on the defensive end.
“It doesn’t matter how fresh the bodies are if we don’t play a brand of basketball defensively that we need to, then we are wasting everybody’s time,” Longley declared about Sydney’s defence, which has dropped to seventh in defensive rating.
“Our defence (against the Phoenix) was anaemic and not good enough.
“We’re all concerned about the way we are defending. We are playing around with solutions and we’re not where we want to be right now.
“But there are a lot of games left to play and there is a lot of great talent and basketball knowledge in our club, so we’ve just got to back ourselves to do a better job.
“That’s not just the players, that’s everybody, me included.”
Longley is collaborating with Hahn on the brand’s entry into basketball which is the Hahn Half Court, Half Pub which is half a basketball court and half an open-air pub which will be a built experience in Sydney over three Sundays from February 11 to 25.
To register to Hahn Half Court, Half Pub go to: hahnpromotion.com.au/half-court-half-pub.
Cavs scout courts Travers
Cleveland “took a swing” at raw young Aussie Luke Travers in the 2022 NBA draft and the Cavs general manager Mike Gansey believes the Melbourne United forward has every chance of a long, successful career in the big league.
Gansey has a keen eye for talent, having played a key role in ushering in a new era in Cleveland, drafting highly-touted lottery picks Darius Garland and Evan Mobley and orchestrating the blockbuster trade that brought Donovan Mitchell to the Cavs.
He’s excited by the improvement he’s seen from 22-year-old Travers, especially since the blockbuster move from his hometown Perth Wildcats to United.
“Luke’s getting better and better — when we drafted him, we took a swing,” Gansey told Code Sports.
“But, by drafting him, we’re putting an investment in him.
“We’re checking up on him, via text, via call, checking his stats, watching his tape. I’m here, we’ve had other staff visit throughout the year.
“We’re excited. He’s someone we think could be a future Cavalier at some point and that’s why we’re taking all the time to get him better.”
Gansey sees the two-metre forward as a potential “Swiss Army knife” at small forward and power forward for the Cavs” “kind of like a jack-of-all trades who does a little bit of everything”.
“He’s just sneaky — sneaky athlete, sneaky defender, sneaky shooter,” he said.
“In Summer League we’re playing him as backup point guard. I know for Melbourne, when they had injuries, they were playing him with the ball in his hands.
“He’s just a good basketball player, a good decision maker. I don’t know if there’s one thing he does elite, but he does everything well and he doesn’t have one glaring hole in his game.”
No decision has been made on when Travers, who is averaging 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assist and 1.3 steals, while shooting 50.9 per cent from the field and 32.2 per cent from deep in 13 games for the 11-3 United, will get the call up to Cleveland.
But Gansey said the Cavs were being patient, trusting United and coach Dean Vickerman can equip him with the necessary tools to help him thrive in the NBA.
Gansey, who was elevated to GM by the Cavs in 2022, landed in Melbourne on Wednesday morning and, after a 16-hour flight, headed straight for United’s Hoop City home in Cheltenham, eager to see his prized talent — and catch up with a few old faces.
A big Matthew Dellavedova fan, both wore wide smiles as they caught up on old times, having shared in the ultimate joy of the 2016 NBA championship.
There was also a knowing chat with evergreen veteran Brad Newley. In another life, Gansey finished second in Ohio’s ‘Mr Basketball’ voting (behind some guy named LeBron James) and he first encountered Newley nearly 20 years ago during NBA draft workouts.
But he’s not just here for United.
Gansey will take in Thursday night’s Throwdown between United and Phoenix — he’s a big fan of Mitch Creek’s game and will no doubt keep a close eye on Melbourne’s big Next Star Ariel Hukporti. He’ll jet to Perth to watch the Wildcats — and potential No.1 pick Alex Sarr — on Friday night against Tasmania. It’s back to Melbourne as United hosts Adelaide — and Next Star Trentyn Flowers — on Saturday night, before his whirlwind, four-games-in-four-nights trip ends in Tassie, where the Kings and the likes of Next Star Alex Toohey, Jaylin Galloway — and even Jonah Bolden — will be required viewing.
League rules prohibit NBA executives from speaking about specific draft-eligible players but Gansey was glowing of the talent on show in the NBL.
“A lot of those young guys playing in the NBL have definitely put themselves on the radar to potentially get drafted,” he said.
“The NBL’s really making strides, not just the kids but the veterans and former NBA guys coming over here.
“This is a great league to go scout and watch, there’s a lot of really good players over here who could be playing in our league.”
NBL coaching scene set to heat up
Two struggling clubs need a new coach for NBL24 and beyond, but you can take former championship-winning Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford off the list of potential contenders.
Illawarra and Adelaide are on the lookout for coaches after parting ways with Jacob Jackomas and CJ Bruton respectively.
Buford, who led the Kings to consecutive championships in his two seasons in the Harbour City, has been floated as a potential option for the battling Hawks and 36ers.
However, Code Sports has been told the son of legendary San Antonio Spurs GM, R.C Buford, remains locked in on securing a coaching role in the NBA.
It’s understood Buford doesn’t see the NBL as a step forward in his aspirations for higher coaching honours in America given his prior success in the competition.
Five-time championship-winning coach Trevor Gleeson remains open to offers in the NBL and abroad, but Code Sports understands a move overseas next season is most likely for the ex-Perth Wildcats mentor.
The NBL’s most successful coach – Brian Goorjian – has been linked to the NBL all season, including Adelaide.
It’s understood Goorjian will weigh up opportunities in Asia after next year’s Paris Olympic campaign with Australia.
Adelaide and Illawarra are locked in on retaining interim coaches Scott Ninnis and Justin Tatum for the remainder of NBL24 before they both take to the open market in a bid to secure a full-time coach.
The Hawks and 36ers face a challenge to secure an experienced coach given the lack of success and off-court dysfunction. Multiple coaching candidates have expressed a reluctance to join either club unless significant changes are made.
New Zealand Breakers coach Mody Maor is also off-contract – and fighting to secure his future, especially with the Breakers battling in ninth position.
In other news, the Tasmania JackJumpers are continuing positive talks with head coach Scott Roth about a contract extension.
Code Sports expects no official announcement mid-season, but discussions are progressing and there is no reason to suggest that Roth won’t continue his successful tenure in the Apple Isle.
McCarron’s leverage
Benched Adelaide 36ers captain Mitch McCarron plans to use his off-season stint in the NZNBL as leverage to find another NBL team for next season and beyond.
McCarron, who is off-contract, has found himself out of the 36ers’ starting side following the club’s substandard start to the season.
The veteran guard also hasn’t produced his finest form, resulting in Adelaide’s decision-makers to relegate him down the rotation.
McCarron has averaged 6.7 points on 43 per cent shooting from the field, while adding 4.6 rebounds and 2 assists.
The championship-winner and Boomers representative joined Adelaide on a lucrative three-year-deal, but it’s understood his asking price on the open market moving forward will be significantly less than his current deal.
Watch: Cameras captured the moment Mitch McCarron unloaded on his teammates at training in an effort to get his team back on track.
— NBL (@NBL) December 8, 2023
Via: @10NewsFirstAdlpic.twitter.com/MnbCVa0sRq
McCarron has already made a move – penning a one-year deal with the Taranaki Airs for the 2024 NZNBL season as the club’s first import.
The Airs, co-owned by NBL great Chris Anstey, have hired current Phoenix assistant Sam Mackinnon as the club’s head coach.
Mackinnon is expecting McCarron to feature prominently for the Airs – which will only enhance his chances of securing a contract with another NBL team.
“Mitch will play a significant role with the club.
“His leadership speaks volumes but I can’t wait to get to work with him and watch his game redevelop into the elite dynamic combo guard we all know he can be.”
Phoenix primed for ex-NBA forward
South East Melbourne coach Mike Kelly believes new import Abdel Nader possesses a best-of-both-worlds skillset that makes him the perfect cover for injured wing Craig Moller and sacked guard Will Cummings.
Despite a question mark over how his body will stand up to the rigours of the NBL — he hasn’t played in a professional game in over two years due to lingering knee issues — the Phoenix have taken a calculated risk on the former NBA forward who spent five seasons with Boston, Oklahoma City and Phoenix.
Moller’s injury, coupled with Cummings’ disregard for off-court responsibilities gave Kelly a chance to “re-evaluate what we need within the group”.
“A lot of what they both gave us — scoring, rebounding, defence — Abdel will bring,” he said.
“So that was a big thing for us to be able to get coverage in those areas and, I mean he’s high level.
“Everybody who knows him that I know have been really high about him as a person and a worker.
“I’ve observed his basketball since he was in college, through the G League and through the NBA.
“He’s just one of those guys who I’ve always watched and enjoyed as a player and now he’s free and we were able to make it happen.”
Nader, 30, has not played professionally since his last appearance with the Suns in late 2021 but Kelly said the Egyptian national had worked out for NBA teams in the off-season and has recently been training in Germany in a bid to reignite his career.
“We’ve been able to see some of his training in Germany and we’ve spoken to his medical group that’s helped him through his injury,” he said.
“We’ve done everything we can do and he says he’s ready to go and, by all accounts, he’s ready to play.”
Kelly said giving American Cummings, 31, his marching orders was difficult on a personal level but necessary in the context of the team’s culture, given he continually missed mandatory recovery and community engagement obligations.
“We’re dealing with people’s lives and I know, from experience, it doesn’t feel good to lose your job, so we didn’t take the decision lightly,” Kelly said.
“But, when we’re talking about what the group believes in and we’re doing what is best for the group, when people buy in, they want to be here, when they don’t buy in, they don’t want to be here.
“Will showed by his behaviours, it was more important to do things his way, so I think it would have been hard for us to keep him.”
The Phoenix have taken a gamble on an NBA veteran in Abdel Nader. @Liam_Santa explains more 👀#NBLOvertime on ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/xHyTUTq6Mp
— NBL (@NBL) December 12, 2023
Kelly said Moller, who ruptured his patellar tendon earlier this month, has had successful surgery and is already back on his feet. The 29-year-old faces four-five months on the sidelines as he rehabilitates the injury.
Nader arrives in Melbourne Thursday morning and, while he won’t play in the Throwdown against Melbourne United that night, there is a chance he could suit up for the Phoenix’s trip down the highway to face Illawarra in Traralgon.
NBL ROUND 11: (All Games Live on ESPN and Kayo)
Thursday, December 14:
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Melbourne United at John Cain Arena from 7.30pm (AEDT)
Friday, December 15:
Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convection Centre from 7.30pm (AEDT)
Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers at RAC Arena from 9.30pm (AEDT)
Saturday, December 16:
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium from 5.30pm (AEDT)
Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena from 8pm (AEDT)
Sunday, December 17:
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Sydney Kings at MyState Bank Arena from 2pm (AEDT)
Brisbane Bullets vs Cairns Taipans at Nissan Arena from 4pm (AEDT)
Originally published as Crosscourt: Sydney Kings co-owner Luc Longley lays into his team’s ‘anaemic’ defence
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