New Breaker has NBA pedigree
Power forward signed to fill gaping hole left by European-bound Finn Delany
Jarrell Brantley is exactly the player I was looking for. Mody Maor
The New Zealand Breakers have signed a quality import with NBA experience at power forward for the upcoming NBL23 season. Jarrell Brantley arrives in Auckland next month fresh from playing five games for the LA Clippers in the NBA Summer League.
The Clippers finished with a 2-3 record, but the 26-year-old was described by critics as consistently the best player on the roster, starting every game, shooting 50 per cent from the field and stayig very active defensively, averaging 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks a game.
A round-up of scouting reports categorise Brantley as very physical, a good passer, with quick decisionmaking skills who knows how to use his 2m frame around the rim.
Head coach Mody Maor says the 26-year-old was his No 1 target to replace Finn Delany when he knew the Kiwi wanted to go overseas.
“Jarrell Brantley is exactly the player I was looking for, and our discussions with him started a very long time ago,” Maor said.
“I am thrilled we’ve been able to bring him to the Breakers for the new season.
“His role in Summer League and his role with the Breakers will be completely different, and I am looking forward to unlocking all his potential.”
Brantley was the 50th pick in the 2019 NBA draft and spent two seasons for the Utah Jazz, whom he appeared for 41 times — including four playoff games.
In his NBA debut against the LA Lakers he pulled down three rebounds, adding a block and an assist.
In 2020, he was named in the AllNBA G League First Team and the NBA G League All-Rookie Team.
“His resume reflects his skill and talent and physical capabilities, which will be clear to everyone who watches our games,” said Maor.
“What most people don’t know is how tough, how competitive, and how good a leader and culture setter Jarrell is. He will be taking a dominant leadership role in our group and moulding the team into a tough competitive unit.”
Brantley joins a Breakers roster with a strong Kiwi core, including Tom Abercrombie, Rob Loe, Sam Timmins, Tom Vodanovich and Dan Fotu, while Will McDowell-White provides further consistency by returning for a third season.
Australian Cam Gliddon, French Next Star Rayan Rupert and import Dererk Pardon round out the squad with one further import to be added in the coming weeks.
There is a chance last season’s import guard Hugo Besson will be that player after he was taken with the final pick in the NBA Draft. Teams can sometimes draft and stash players they might want in the future, when there is no clear spot in their current roster. The Milwaukeee Bucks still retain Besson’s rights.
Meanwhile, Maor says Delany leaves a strong legacy at the club after announcing he will be playing in Germany for Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Maor, who has a close relationship with Delany, has known for some time that the Tall Blacks power forward was keen to pursue his European dreams after coming off contract, and had already planned for life without him.
Moar says Delany set the standard he expects of all the players for the upcoming season.
“Finn is a true Breaker, he exemplifies everything we want our players to be, as such we will miss him very much,” Maor said.
“But we are also extremely proud for the part we have played in his development and are excited for him as he chases his dream of playing overseas.
“Finn — all of Breaker Nation is behind you.”
Delany, who has played for the Sky Sport Breakers since 2015, farewelled the club in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
“Thank you for the journey. The club gave me an opportunity to chase my ambitions. I’m grateful for the many ups and downs with amazing team-mates, coaches and staff,” Delany wrote.
Delany was named the club’s Most Valuable Player in the 2020-21 season. His 2021-22 team-mate Yanni Wetzell also announced yesterday he had signed a new deal to play in Germany’s top league.
— Supplied content