Breakers courting disaster

The Breakers are a club in turmoil, and the man responsible for discovering Steven Adams is calling for change.

Kenny McFadden, one of the most respected names in New Zealand basketball, has told Stuff the culture problem at the Breakers is not going to be easy to overcome, but import players with chequered pasts are not the answer.

‘‘It’s been a disappointing time to be a Breakers fan for sure, it’s really sad,’’ McFadden said of a week from hell for the Aucklandbased club.

‘‘This new ownership group are trying to find themselves but they’re missing the point right now. I was surprised initially when they signed Glen Rice Jr.

‘‘Under the previous administration they would never have taken the risk, but I guess injuries and what not might have forced their hand a little bit. Still, clearly [it] wasn’t a good move.’’

Rice is set to appear in court today over an alleged assault with intent to injure, and has since been suspended indefinitely by the Breakers.

Under the previous administration headed by Paul and Liz

Blackwell, the Breakers were considered a family organisation with their ‘‘finger on the pulse’’ of basketball in New Zealand, something the club can no longer claim, McFadden said.

Things have changed under Matt Walsh, who earlier this year was banned by the NBL from attending two matches following a verbal stoush with the commissioner.

‘‘There’s a real culture issue there at the moment. And you can see the panic and rushed decision-making at the top as a result,’’ McFadden said.

‘‘I’m not in the boardroom, or privy to all the discussions but something has to change. They need to get back to developing the amazing talent we have here and build an environment fans can be proud of.

‘‘Easier said than done of course, but it’s not like these guys came in and are starting a club from scratch. It was there, the culture was in place and the team were in a great spot.’’

McFadden said there was plenty of potential in New Zealand the Breakers could tap.

‘‘We have amazing basketball players in New Zealand, there’s no need to chase guys from outside who don’t understand the culture or the environment.’’

‘‘There’s a real culture issue there at the moment. You can see the panic and rushed decisionmaking at the top as a result.’’ Kenny McFadden, right, on the Breakers