Injured United import may be sidelined for NBL opener

DEFENDING NBL champion Melbourne could be without import DJ Kennedy when it opens its season against the Illawarra in Wollongong tomorrow night.

Kennedy linked with United for its two-game NBA preseason friendlies, but injured his foot in the first match against Philadelphia.

The American swingman has been in a moon-boot for a week but appeared to pass a fitness test in Melbourne yesterday, the first step towards making his NBL debut.

He had his foot in ice as he sat out the last few drills but United coach Dean Vickerman is hopeful he will line up.

The 28-year-old has played everywhere from point guard to power forward throughout his career, which included time with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012.

“We were really pleased with what we got out of him today,” Vickerman said.

“He showed the defensive cat that he can be and he was really dominant at that end of floor and was consistent at the other end as well. He got through practice so we’ll see how he pulls up again tomorrow.”

After Illawarra, United returns home for a Sunday clash with New Zealand Breakers, which now feature Melbourne premiership players Tai Wesley and Majok Majok.

As well as Philadelphia, United travelled to Toronto to take on a second NBA team in the Raptors. The Hawks spent some of their pre-season in Malaysia where they won the Seri Mutiara Cup.

Arriving back into Melbourne on Monday, Vickerman said they’d taken a few days to find their feet but he was mostly happy with where they were at.

“One of the things we identified while we were away were little lapses but we were pretty sharp today,” Vickerman said.

“In most pre-season games there’s been little periods where we take a step off. We came back from some good margins but it’s a preventative measure — we can avoid that happening by maintaining our consistency.”