The NZ Breakers have signed former Brisbane Bullets’ star Lamar Patterson to a one-year deal, further bolstering their already impressive roster for NBL21.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old Patterson earned himself All-NBL First Team honours in each of his two seasons in the league as a member of the Bullets.<\/p>\n
Representatives of Patterson, who has played 40 NBA games, approached the Breakers last month after learning Scotty Hopson was still mulling over a contract sent to him in March.<\/p>\n
“No club can ignore Lamar Patterson if he comes knocking because he’s a superstar in this league and statistically has been the best Small Forward in the NBL for the last two seasons,” said Breakers owner Matt Walsh.<\/p>\n
“It’s evident after so much bad luck last season our fortunes have changed.”<\/p>\n
Patterson suited up 40-times for the Atlanta Hawks over two seasons, playing an average of 10.9 minutes a game.<\/p>\n
However, it is in the NBL he has shone, averaging 21 points, six rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 28 games for last season.<\/p>\n
The American import set his season-high 36 points in 33 minutes against the Breakers in December, scoring double figures 27-times in 28 games.<\/p>\n
Patterson scored 20 points or more 15-times during the season and 30 points or more 5-times. He also recorded three double-doubles.<\/p>\n
“Lamar is a proven guy all over the world, and we had major issues trying to stop him when we played him,” said Breakers Head Coach Dan Shamir.<\/p>\n
“We are incredibly happy about this pickup because we wanted a player who can do it all.<\/p>\n
“Lamar Patterson and Scotty Hopson are similar players, both of them pick and roll with similar size.<\/p>\n
“Lamar is slightly better in the low post, and is harder to stop around the rim. Hopson is a marginally better player on the open floor.<\/p>\n
“The signing of Lamar means we now have one of the best starting units I’ve ever coached.”<\/p>\n
In 2019, his first season with the Bullets, Patterson averaged 18.1 points 6.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists over 22 appearances, including hitting double figures in 21 of those games.<\/p>\n
The acquisition of Patterson means the Breakers have now filled eight of the ten roster spots for NBL21.<\/p>\n
NBL21 will see 10 man roster limits following the Covid pandemic with clubs only allowed to sign two imports this season \u2013 although a “Next Star” like RJ Hampton sits outside the roster.<\/p>\n
Matt Walsh says the Breakers will be signing a “Next Star” for NBL21.<\/p>\n
Lamar Patterson will arrive in Auckland in early October, with NBL21 expected to tip off around December 3.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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