Clock ticks on imports out of form
SOME of the NBL’s new imports only have three rounds left to save their jobs.
The league’s 10 clubs have the option to include an eight-week probation period into a new import’s contract.
If such a player is terminated during the probationary period, he will be paid one month’s salary in lieu of notice, together with the reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses immediately upon notification of his termination by the club.
Where a club seeks to terminate the employment of a player after the conclusion of the probationary period, then it must be done in accordance with provisions as applicable to all players.
Melbourne United import forward Jordan Caroline headlines a list of star attractions under pressure, although it’s understood that he isn’t on probation.
It’s believed Caroline is on a guaranteed contract, meaning United will have to negotiate a payout should the club choose to cut him.
The American-born forward, who is likely sidelined for the next two games with a hamstring injury, is on the outer because he isn’t a good fit.
Caroline has averaged just 5.5 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting a lowly 27 per cent from the field.
At 201cm, he has been forced to play as an undersized five for much of his stint after a seasonending injury to big man Ariel Hukporti.
Caroline joins the likes of Brady Manek (Perth) and Craig Randall (36ers) as new imports under the most pressure to perform.
Manek had lofty expectations after excelling in college at North Carolina but he has struggled, highlighted on Friday night when he scored just four points in the Wildcats’ 90-91 home loss to the Phoenix.
Randall has proved he can play, but he is inconsistent and can battle with his attitude and temperament as shown when he had a heated exchange with Adelaide coach CJ Bruton at halftime during the 36ers 29point loss to New Zealand on Friday night.