Josh Adams reveals his heartbreak over leaving JackJumpers

Josh Adams has released a new statement to address “speculation and lies” over his departure from the JackJumpers and praised his former teammates and fans. JA’S PASSIONATE MESSAGE>>>

Josh Adams has released a new statement to address “speculation and lies” over his departure from the JackJumpers and praised his teammates and fans.

Adams took to his Instagram account on Wednesday morning Australian time to share his thoughts and feelings on his stint in Tasmania.

“I noticed there has been a lot of incorrect speculation and lies about to why I am not with Tassie any longer and I wanted to send out a quick message to my teammates and the fans,” Adams wrote.

“The year I spent with the JackJumpers was one of, if not the most memorable, and most exciting years of my professional career.

“The group of guys I hooped with changed my life and reignited my passion for the game. I love my brothers and would do anything for them.

“Most of the fans welcomed me in as if I was part of your family, and I will never ever forget that.

“I gave everything I had every game and left my heart on the floor at MyState (MyState Bank Arena), and I hope that came across in how I played the game.

Josh Adams' Instagram story.

“Was I a bit firey? Absolutely, but that was because myself, and my teammates truly cared about winning for each other, four our fans and for the state and I won’t apologize for that, or for being a competitor.

“While I am deeply heartbroken that I won’t be back this season, I wish my brothers, and the JackJumpers the best. Love you all.”

Adams is yet to decide on where he will play next.

The JackJumpers are currently in the off-season readying a squad for their second year in the NBL.

‘Get your facts straight’: Star’s shock reason for departure - July 12

The recently departed inaugural MVP of the JackJumpers has dropped a bombshell on social media, stating it wasn’t money that lured him away from the Jackies but claiming the team didn’t want him to return.

The JackJumpers broke the hearts of many fans last month when they announced highflying American Josh Adams would not be returning to the team for its second season.

Adams quickly became a fan favourite of the Ant Army after a blistering season for Tasmania in which he was named to the NBL’s All-Second team and awarded the team’s Most Valuable Player after leading them to the unlikeliest of Grand Final appearances.

Such was the impressive nature of Adams performances it was understood he was fielding offers of over $1m a season to join major clubs in Europe and Asia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Josh Adams of the JackJumpers and JackJumpers head coach‎ Scott Roth (R) gesture to teammates during the round 20 NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Tasmania Jackjumpers at John Cain Arena on April 17, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

While Adams and the JackJumpers both publicly stated they were working hard to reach an agreement for next season, it appeared the Arizona-native had played himself out of the JackJumpers price range after they announced in mid-June they would not be re-signing the 28-year-old.

Josh Adams (j14adams) replies to a fan on his Instagram account.

But in a bombshell shift to the narrative surrounding his departure, Adams engaged in a heated exchange with a user on his Instagram account on Tuesday morning where he proclaimed the allegations he left for a bigger payday was were false and claimed the team didn’t want him.

“Your coach made the decision that he didn’t want me,” Adams wrote.

“So all of you need to get out of my comments calling me a traitor and that I left for money.

“I played my heart out for them and I love my brothers. So get your facts straight or put your phone down,” he said.

“…don’t assume you know and speak on my situation…I haven’t signed anywhere, nor do I have anywhere that I can sign right now.”

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth and Josh Adams leaving Hobart for Sydney. Picture: Chris Kidd

After being contacted by the Mercury, the JackJumpers said they had nothing further to add on what they’ve previously publicly stated in that it was unfortunate negotiations with Josh didn’t work and that they wish him all the very best in the future.

Adams omission on the JackJumpers roster for next season opened the door for the team to sign fellow American guard Milton Doyle in his place.

Doyle, a 193cm sharp shooter with NBA experience, will join the team as one of two new players alongside 201cm American forward Rashard Kelly who was signed in place of outgoing Canadian MiKyle McIntosh.