Big decisions loom for Breakers coach
Right now Mody Maor has two players locked in for the 2024-25 Australian NBL as the New Zealand Breakers coach contemplates a potential roster rebuild of unprecedented proportions.
That, shrugs the successful Israeli mentor, is a fact of life when you coach one of the least resourced clubs in a league that sits well below the financial threshold of almost all it competes with. “Its not unfamiliar territory, but it’s definitely very significant,” he says.
The Breakers have just one player under contract from the 23-24 squad, who fell one game short of a spot in the semifinals – sparingly used backup centre Dane Pineau.
They have also signed talented Kiwi forward Sam Mennenga, who is currently playing in Greece for AS Karditsas, after luring him away from the final year of his deal with the Cairns Taipans. “He’s what we want in a Breaker,” adds Maor. “How he goes about his business, how he competes, the level of focus, the level of diligence that goes into his craft, and the quality of human he is. He’s a very natural fit.”
The remaining nine to 10 spots on his roster remain a work in progress as Maor negotiates one of the more important off-seasons in club history. He’s already having to fill a leadership void with the retirement of club legend Tom Abercrombie; now he faces a revolving door-type turnover if things don’t pan out favourably.
The Breakers have three key locals on player options for next season, in Aussie guard Will McDowell-White, Tall Blacks forward Finn Delany and defensive specialist Izayah Le’afa. Maor would have all three back in a heartbeat, but their contracts allow them to explore options elsewhere.
“The nature of this business and off-season is it’s more about the financial side than anything,” he said. “These are three very good players who have a market other teams are interested in – not only in the NBL, but other places.”
Given Maor has consistently conceded it is near impossible to get successful imports back for a second season, that’s effectively his top six facing a complete refresh.
Maor would love to bring back imports Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Anthony Lamb and Zylan Cheatham. Jackson-Cartwright and Lamb played at an all-NBL level throughout their first seasons in the NBL, and Cheatham was not far behind.
In his two seasons as head coach Maor is now batting 1.000 with his choice of imports, and may need to summon the magic again, admitting he’s at long odds to counter the sort of money all three are likely to command elsewhere. Adding to complications, Lamb is rehabilitating an Achilles rupture.
The coach would not comment on deals looming, but it is understood a second major off-season addition will be revealed soon. Sources point to a very high-level “local” player who has featured elsewhere in the NBL.
Whatever plays out, Maor is confident he will pull together a competitive group.