Breakers Secure Experienced NBA Player to Extinguish Injury Crisis
Former Orlando Magic Point Guard Chasson Randle has answered an SOS from the Sky Sport Breakers and will jump on a plane today from the States to join the team in Australia as an injury replacement player.
It is expected the 28-year old will reignite the Breakers’ NBL22 campaign, which has been disrupted by COVID and now injuries to two import guards.
To illustrate the level of experience Randle brings, he has played 119 times in the NBA.
That is more than double the number of NBA games played by star off-season signings, and current imports Peyton Siva and Jeremiah Martin, who have 42 appearances combined.
“it’s been a very difficult start with COVID, with two of our imports injured, and we wanted to get the best import on the market available,” said Breakers owner Matt Walsh from the team base in Melbourne.
“Chasson Randle played 20 minutes per game in 41 NBA appearances last season.”
Despite bright patches in games, the Breakers are 0-3, and the signing of Randle may just be the lucky break the club needs to turn the season around.
“The reality is no one cares. This is professional sport; we have to get on with it, we have to find a way to win games,” said Walsh.
“Randle is a legit NBA player who has started games and played significant minutes, and we believe he’s going to come in and be one of the best imports in our league.
“We anticipate him coming in and putting us back in the hunt.”
Walsh says Siva’s hamstring tear could keep him out of action for up to eight weeks. This means Randle will stay with the Breakers for at least two months as cover, with the flexibility to stay longer if required.
However, there is promising news on Jeremiah Martin. He should return this weekend from his rolled ankle.
At the same time, Captain Tom Abercrombie is over his side strain. He is also hopeful of playing against the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United this weekend.
Matt Walsh says all Breakers supporters should stay optimistic and forget about the rocky last few weeks.
“We are committed to putting a championship team out for our Breakers fans,” he said.
“We have a championship roster, and we have just added a talented guy to get us over the hump.”