Crosscourt: Cashed-up European and Asian clubs circle Adelaide 36ers’ former NBA star Montrezl Harrell

A number of cashed-up overseas teams are interested in luring former NBA star Montrezl Harrell away from Adelaide, but the Sixers aren’t letting him go without a fight. That and more in Crosscourt.

Cashed-up European and Asian teams want to sign Adelaide’s American star Montrezl Harrell now, but the Sixers are standing their ground and refusing to release the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

The 36ers confirmed multiple overseas sides, including Greek club Panathinaikos, have expressed a desire to lure Harrell away from Australia.

Only problem – there are no out clauses in the big man’s Adelaide one-year contract, which doesn’t end until the completion of the NBL season in March.

The 36ers’ recent struggles – which has seen the club slide to third last on the ladder – could open the door for Harrell to depart earlier if he chose.

Adelaide faces an uphill battle to reach the NBL post-season after Saturday’s big loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The Sixers would need to go on a major winning streak to qualify for the top six.

Montrezl Harrell of the 36ers is attracting interest from abroad. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Harrell has enjoyed a mixed maiden season with Adelaide. At his best, he is unstoppable in the paint with his physicality.

On the flip side, Harrell has let his emotions get the better of him.

This was on show when he copped a three-game suspension for his role in a player and fan melee against Melbourne United in round nine.

Harrell took to social media to express his disappointment with the sanctions, even threatening not to return to the NBL.

He later quelled any fears, crediting Adelaide’s support during the controversial fight for motivating him to honour his deal.

However, it feels like the clock is ticking on his time in the NBL.

Fans also questioned Harrell’s poor body language during Saturday’s 106-86 loss to the Phoenix.

He was accused of being unprofessional and not sitting with his teammates on the bench.

Harrell finished with 15 points and five rebounds in a forgettable defeat.

What would you call this celebration from Montrezl Harrell? 😝

Watch live on ESPN 📺 pic.twitter.com/490QS4T8uR

— NBL (@NBL) December 14, 2024

The news about Harrell comes as the NBL beefed up security during Adelaide games in the fallout from last month’s crowd incident in Melbourne.

As the 36ers returned to the scene at John Cain Arena on Saturday night for the first time since the November 17 controversy, the imposing figure of NBL Integrity Officer Shannon Bodley took guard near the team’s bench.

While there was no cause for alarm on the night, it’s understood the NBL has made the move in a bid to avoid any potential repeat of the ugly player-spectator clash, which resulted in suspensions for Sixers Harrell and Kendric Davis and huge bans for two fans.

NBL Integrity Officer Shannon Bodley has been hired to sit next to Adelaide's bench on away trips as precaution following the fan melee against Melbourne United prior to the FIBA break.

Crosscourt understands Bodley – a doppelganger for pro wrestling star Stone Cold Steve Austin – will cast a watchful eye over the next few Adelaide games, including United’s January 4 visit to Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where there are some private concerns a packed and parochial Adelaide crowd will provide a hostile reception.

A former police officer, Bodley is in charge of security for both the Boomers and Opals and is one of the most respected off-court figures in basketball.

NEXT STARS SHINE UNDER NBA SCOUT GAZE

Stellar performances from multiple NBL Next Stars have come at the perfect time, with a bevy of NBA scouts either in Australia or heading here in the coming weeks to survey potential draft talent.

Next Star standouts Karim Lopez and Alex Toohey put on a show worthy of NBA consideration in New Zealand on Friday.

Mexican-born sensation Lopez was magnificent for the Breakers in a close loss to the Sydney Kings, producing an eye-catching 25 minute display.

Karim Lopez 🆚 Sydney in 25 MINS:

18 PTS
4 REB
3 AST
1 BLK
1 [e-mail]/NM4RlpHByq

— NBL Next Stars (@NBLNextStars) December 21, 2024

He stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal.

Toohey was equally instrumental in Sydney’s comeback win over New Zealand, dropping 21 points. He also added 11 rebounds in two steals in a polished display.

A host of NBA scouts have already converged on Australian soil for the festive season, with more on their way in the New Year.

It opens the door for the NBL Next Stars to climb up the NBA draft boards with strong performances in the coming weeks.

Alex Toohey of the Kings dropped 21 points against the Breakers. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images.

NBA TEAMS DOWN UNDER OVER FESTIVE SEASON:

Toronto Raptors

Utah Jazz

Los Angeles Clippers

New York Knicks

Cleveland Cavaliers

ADAMS BACK, DREAMING BIG

There were days when Sydney Kings star Jaylen Adams couldn’t get out of bed with his dodgy back.

Adams even asked Kings officials for a new mattress in a bid to recover from the injury setback as quickly as possible.

And while he concedes he returned to playing “too early”, the ex-NBA guard has recovered and regained his MVP-calibre form in recent weeks.

Adams returned to the starting line-up against the Breakers on Friday, recording 17 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists.

LET EM KNOW HOW IT IS @10jadams 👑 pic.twitter.com/HpkXPEJcEV

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) December 20, 2024

He has scored in double figures for the past four games and looks comfortable and confident with the ball in his hands.

The Kings have won three straight games to move within a win of second position, prompting Adams to declare his side has regained its fear factor.

“At our best we can compete against anyone,” Adams said.

“I think I’m a big part of it and this is hands down the best I’ve felt since the start of the season, but we’re just coming together. We’ve had a lot of good practices and we’re starting to figure out as a team what Goorj wants from us defensively.”

Adams and Sydney face a big test on Christmas Day when they host the league leading Illawarra Hawks.

The Hawks have already beaten the Kings twice this season, so the men in purple and gold are determined to seek revenge.

“I’m really looking forward to that game – we’ll be ready,” Adams said.

HAPPINESS FUELS FIRING BULLET PRATHER 

Casey Prather has turned back the clock to produce career-best form for the Brisbane Bullets and it’s largely due to his happy balance off the court.

That’s the opinion of Bullets legend Derek Rucker, who believes Prather is benefiting from a content life away from basketball.

The former Perth and United star has averaged an impressive 28.3 points in his past six games to guide Brisbane into sixth position on the ladder.

Casey Prather has wound back the clock in his last six games. Averaging 28.3 points per game, leading the Bullets into 5th place after yesterday’s win against Cairns.#NBL25pic.twitter.com/BxJ1XtatoM

— NBL News (@NBL_News) December 21, 2024

Prather continued his hot scoring streak in a close win over Cairns on Friday, dropping a game-high 35 points.

Rucker has watched Prather closely through his NBL commentary role and says happiness is the key to his success.

“I just think his form is one of the great examples of your domestic life carrying over to your professional life,” Rucker said about Prather, whose wife Ariana is a successful part of the NBL commentary team this season.

“He is obviously just in love with his whole set up and he is comfortable, confident and secure.”

DOGGED WALTON JR FINDS GROOVE

Three weeks after his dad took to social media to blast Phoenix coach Josh King for benching his son, Derrick Walton Jr started and starred in a big win over Adelaide.

Walton Jr’s father was far from happy when his son only played seven minutes and in close win over Illawarra back in round 10.

Coach King defended his decision, declaring no player is bigger than the club.

Walton Jr sat out two games against Cairns and Brisbane in round 11 and 12 due to an illness and played off the bench in a win over United last round.

DWalt on FIRE! 🔥

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/WlXRHOBbP0

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) December 21, 2024

The former NBA star returned to the Phoenix starting side on Saturday under clear Melbourne skies for the club’s open-air blockbuster against Adelaide.

Walton Jr delivered a performance fitting of the big occasion, dropping a game-high 28 points, including 6-10 from three-point land, to go with six rebounds and three assists.

He credited patience and a self-belief for his recent success despite a season loaded with mixed fortunes from an injury perspective.

“The one thing that’s consistent, whether I’m playing well or not, is that I’m always going to be confident,” Walton Jr said post-game.

“For me, it’s just finding my groove with the guys. I’m a player that can do a lot of different things and it’s just making sure I mesh with the other four guys.

“I know Sobey (Nathan) can score and we’ve got a lot of firepower.

“So, more so for me, it’s just understanding who I’ve been for my whole career and I’m a winner.”

The Phoenix have now won six in a row at home to move into fifth position.

CAN GOULDING FIX UNITED’S SLUMP?

Could the return of sharpshooter Chris Goulding be enough to ignite Melbourne United out of its customary mid-season form slump?

That will be the hope for United when Goulding returns from a calf injury against reigning champions Tasmania on Monday at John Cain Arena from 7.30pm (AEDT).

Can Chris Goulding return inspire Melbourne United? Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Melbourne has struggled without their star shooter, losing three straight, including consecutive home games to Brisbane and Illawarra.

United desperately need a spark and Goulding is the man for the job following his record scoring explosion prior to being injured.

The veteran guard was basically impossible to stop, highlighted by a 46-point masterclass against Perth in round 8.

Goulding dropped 22 of those points in less than four minutes during an incredible third quarter explosion rated as one of the best shooting displays ever seen in NBL history.

Originally published as Crosscourt: Cashed-up European and Asian clubs circle Adelaide 36ers’ former NBA star Montrezl Harrell