The Brisbane Bullets have sensationally parted ways with former NBL MVP and championship winner Jaylen Adams in a shock mid-season call after just 13 games with the club.
The decision was triggered after Wednesday night’s loss to New Zealand, with Brisbane immediately beginning the termination process after the star guard struggled in a Bullets uniform this season.
Adams had arrived in July as one of the club’s most high-profile import signings but struggled to meet expectations and averaged a career-low 12.8 points per game, including less than four points per game across his last two outings.
His on-court demeanour and work ethic were also placed under scrutiny during the opening stretch of the season, but it is still a shocking move considering the tenuous position the Bullets are in and the fact they only days ago lost superstar Casey Prather for the remainder of the season.
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Initially, it appeared Adams would receive increased usage and an opportunity to bounce back into form after Prather was ruled out and the Bullets were left desperately searching for ways to replace his offensive production.
The Bullets confirmed his release on Friday afternoon and signalled major roster changes are underway, with CEO Malcolm Watts stating the club had “acted swiftly to recruit high-calibre talent as the team reshapes its roster”.
He added that fans and partners “deserve a team that represents Brisbane with pride and professionalism,” with Watts also revealing that two major announcements are expected in the immediate future — signalling the Bullets likely have two imports already lined up to replace both Prather and Adams.
Former Melbourne United guard Ian Clark has emerged as a leading candidate to join Brisbane and would fit in well at the Bullets, having last appeared in Melbourne colours and performing strongly.
Clark, a 2022 NBL champion with the Sydney Kings, is understood to be actively discussed within the Bullets’ recruitment plans as he remains unsigned after completing an off-season stint in Puerto Rico and has been linked to several NBL clubs throughout the year.
In the meantime, Lamar Patterson is likely to be elevated from his Nominated Replacement Player role into the active line-up.
It is massive news for Bullets fans, who are now staring at a season on life support as management scramble for solutions — reaching for the defibrillator in a desperate attempt to jolt their campaign back to life.