Webster takes another step toward NBA dream
NZ Breakers and Tall Blacks shooting guard Corey Webster is one step closer to his dream of playing in the NBA.
Webster has had his stay at the New Orleans Pelicans extended to take in the upcoming official preseason training camp, which begins on September 29 to October 2. As such he has been signed to a three-year non-guaranteed contract by the organisation.
‘‘I am not there yet but this is another positive step towards my dream of playing in the NBA,’’ Webster said from New Orleans.
‘‘The past week has gone well and the coaches have been impressed enough by the workouts to want me to stay for the training camp.
‘‘It is again up to me now to prove my value to the organisation, to put my head down and give it my best shot at training camp. I came here this week with a three-day window to impress, this has bought me more time and a chance to take the jump into the actual NBA roster.’’
The Pelicans have a spot for a shooting guard on their full roster and the 26-year-old New Zealander will be among a group of contenders battling for that position through the training camp.
The Breakers remain stuck in a form of limbo while Webster continues to be assessed by the NBA club, but won’t make any moves to look for a replacement until after the Pelicans’ training camp finishes.
The Breakers tip off their Australian NBL season on October 7 in Adelaide.
‘‘We are thrilled for Corey but understand that this is just another small step along the way,’’ Breakers boss Richard Clarke said.
‘‘We are proud of how far Corey has come and while welcome, this news is no surprise to us knowing the freakish talent that he is on the basketball court.
‘‘It doesn’t change anything for us as a club … Dean [Vickerman] will continue the pre-season and look at options within the current roster to cover Corey’s absence.
‘‘Any decisions about a longterm replacement will be left for a few weeks yet until there is some certainty about his future.
‘‘For now we just want to wish Corey all the best and have him give this opportunity 100 percent of his focus.
‘‘If he became the first Breaker to progress through to the NBA, what a wonderful endorsement of the club, our pathways, coaching and mentoring programmes that would be.’’
Webster will remain in the US, continuing to work out with Pelicans coaching and support staff to ensure he is as ready as he can be for training camp. Webster’s agent David Wolf of Full Circle Sports Management was delighted with his client’s news.