NBL 2024: Adelaide great Brett Maher backs 36ers to rebuild, end title drought

The Adelaide 36ers haven’t won a championship in over two decades, but club great Brett Maher has revealed how the City of Churches regain the mantle quicker than expected.

The Adelaide 36ers haven’t won a championship in over two decades, but club great Brett Maher believes a clean slate and key re-signings can help the City of Churches regain the title town mantle quicker than expected.

The 36ers are currently locked in the NBL’s cellar, sitting last on the ladder, and possessing the league’s second longest championship drought behind Illawarra.

Adelaide last lifted the trophy in 2002 – and while a return to the glory years seems light years away – Maher is remaining optimistic.

The 36ers have seven players off-contract at season’s end, while the futures of veterans Mitch McCarron, Sunday Dech and Jason Cadee remain clouded despite being contracted beyond this season.

According to Maher, Adelaide has a chance to re-jig its roster with money to spend heading into NBL25.

Adelaide 36ers great Brett Maher believes a clean slate and key re-signings can help the City of Churches end their title drought.

“In all honestly, I think next season there is a really good opportunity for whoever does coach to be able to make real big and key changes in the personnel to bring the club right back,” said Maher, who won three championships with the 36ers in 1998, 1999 and 2002.

“And I think that can happen really quickly.”

Maher sees sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic as a vital retention to rebuild the struggling Sixers.

Vasiljevic has given Adelaide a spark with his pinpoint shooting and energy – and it’s understood club officials are close to locking in the ex-King on in a multi-year extension.

“I really like DJ – guys like him are the perfect players for NBL teams,” he said.

“Players like him and Mitch Creek who are on the fringe of making the NBA.

“As a club, you secretly hope they don’t make the NBA because they are at that really elite level.

“If you can have one or two of those players at your club, plus surround them with good imports and support players, and you are doing well.”

Dejan Vasiljevic has made a big impact since joining the Adelaide 36ers mid-season. Photo: Getty Images

Maher says Adelaide possessed these winning traits in spades when they won back-to-back championships in 1998 and 99.

The 36ers will pay homage to the 98-99 team that defeated the Victoria Titans during Saturday’s home clash against Melbourne United.

It was a special moment when the Championship winning 99' team was able to win a grand final series on home soil 🏠

Watch the full 99' rewind here: 📹 https://t.co/oM2KX32hmw#WeAreSixerspic.twitter.com/6pWRJIiVXs

— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) January 2, 2024

Maher was named MVP of the Finals Series and can’t wait to reminisce with his former teammates, including five-time Best Defensive Player in Darnell Mee, who has flown over from America for the special occasion.

“I’m really looking forward to catching up everyone, but especially Darnell and also a guy like Martin Cattalini – guys who I don’t get to see as much,” Maher said.

“That 98/99 championship team was unbelievable.

“The crowds were fantastic and the teams were sensational. At the time you don’t appreciate the teams as much, but as the years go on and there are less championships coming in Adelaide, you really appreciate the talent that we had and what we were able to achieve.

“They were special times, that’s for sure.”

NBL SATURDAY: Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United at Adelaide Entertainment Centre from 8pm and Live on ESPN and Kayo

Originally published as NBL 2024: Adelaide great Brett Maher backs 36ers to rebuild, end title drought