Breakers sign allrounder Long as replacement import

AUCKLAND: The New Zealand Breakers did not take long to lock in their new import.

After releasing centre Jerrelle Benimon due to family issues earlier this week, the Breakers have instead signed former Philadelphia 76ers big man Shawn Long on a oneyear deal.

Long is of a similar — if not higher — calibre than Benimon, and will possibly even be a smoother fit for the Breakers, a side for whom rebounding could be a struggle this season.

The 205cm Long should be able to help out there, having posted impressive rebounding rates in most of his professional stops, and while he will not have the passing touch promised by Benimon, he profiles as a more athletic option at the centre position.

Long can also spread the floor if required, being just enough of a threat to be respected from beyond the arc, and has the resume to potentially be the Breakers’ best player.

Breakers coach Kevin Braswell is touting Long’s allround ability as a key reason why he was signed.

‘‘Shawn is someone who we saw early and thought damn, he is super talented. I know that he will help us on both sides of the ball — he is a great scorer and versatile on offence, and on defence he will alter shots and help us to throw different looks at teams.’’

Long, who played 18 games for the 76ers in 2017 and has spent the last season playing in the NBA development league and top Chinese league, will join the Breakers this week.

‘‘I had a number of options on the table, but after speaking to the Breakers I felt as though they’d provide the best situation for me to improve all around as a player, but most importantly a chance to win a championship,’’ Long said.

The Breakers are currently preparing for the NBL Blitz in a fortnight, before their preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on October 3. Their regular season tips off against the Brisbane Bullets on October 11. — NZME