Bullets eye return of Patterson
BRISBANE Bullets officials are quietly confident of fending off rivals the New Zealand Breakers to re-sign NBL First Team star Lamar Patterson, with the American swingman to announce his future in the coming weeks.
The Bullets are in a tug-ofwar with the Breakers and overseas options for Patterson’s signature as the league’s free agency period heats up.
The former second-round NBA draft pick has been a revelation since joining Brisbane in 2018.
Patterson has made successive All-NBL First Teams to become known as one of the league’s best players.
The Bullets have tabled the ex-Atlanta Hawk a one-year deal with the option to upgrade once cashflow returns post the coronavirus crisis.
Brisbane officials remain positive they can secure Patterson, who has indicated he only wants to play for the Bullets if he returns to the NBL.
It’s understood the 28-yearold wants to finalise his future soon, as early as two weeks.
Patterson, who is holidaying in Mexico, will also consider Europe and Japan, but coach Andrej Lemanis remains hopeful he will return to Brisbane.
“Lamar is a great player and person and that is why we love him,” Lemanis said.
“He plays within the program, but he is more than capable of taking over games.
“He is a special player and I really enjoy having him on the group, and I know his teammates feel the same way.
“We would love to have him back. Conversations continue with his management and the reality is it is a professional environment and he is going to have opportunities to play in different locations, not just in Australia, but also overseas.”