22
Sep
Exclusive
"How does this happen": Cadee shocked at Harrell release
Montrezl Harrell of the 36ers and Jason Cadee of the 36ers during the round 19 NBL match between Adelaide 36ers and Brisbane Bullets at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on January 31, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. Photo: Sarah Reed/Getty Images
The former 36er broke down how Adelaide could fix holes in their roster after Harrell's departure
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Montrezl Harrell's former Adelaide 36ers teammate is shocked the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year being is set to be released by the NBL club just days out from their season opener.
"Not even Trez really knows what has or is happening," the basketball.com.au contributor said.
"Especially considering he played in Puerto Rico before this, it really is a confusing situation.
"Losing one of the biggest names to ever play in the NBL and a guy who creates so much hype isn't great for the league.
"But I just wonder, how does it get to this point, like how does this happen and questions only start getting asked late last week. It's just a crazy situation.
"It's no fault of the 36ers, this is something that's completely out of their control."
The team was navigating issues with Harrell regarding a drugs violation in China earlier this year, and pulled him from the exhibition game against Panathinaikos, where he was replaced by axed South East Melbourne Phoenix import Vrenz Bleijenbergh.
The long-term availability of Harrell is not known by club or player, and there was the potential for an extended stint on the sidelines.
Having spoken to Harrell, Cadee - who played last season with the former LA Clippers big man - said everyone involved was "confused" by what had happened.
Despite the initial shock at Harrell now set to miss NBL26, Cadee said it might give the 36ers a chance to address some holes in their already star-studded roster.
"As we spoke about on 'Cut to the Jase' on basketball.com.au just last week, it was interesting to see how the three bigs in Trez, Zylan Cheatham and Isaac Humphries would fit together because none of them are floor-spacers shooting wise, they don't have a traditional four," he said.
"Now with possibly two import spots available with Bryce Cotton becoming a local, to fix those areas. I think you'd go after an athletic three/four who can defend and who can shoot the ball, as well as a point guard if they can.
"It makes them really dangerous."
Cadee spoke about the issues in the 36ers team last season on episode one of 'Cut to the Jase' which will be a weekly show on basketball.com.au.
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