36ers rally around import

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Adelaide CEO Nic Barbato has rubbished claims that new import Jamaal Franklin is problem player.

Adelaide has been quick to dismiss concerns over its new import, Jamaal Franklin, following reports the 32-year-old American had issues with his previous teams in China and the Philippines.

News Corp says there are reports “Franklin clashed with PBA referees and officials and took umbrage at requests from coaches to be more inclusive on offence”.

Franklin’s recruitment comes just 12 months after the arrival of another high-profile guard, Craig Randall II, who was released after just six games with the 36ers due to problems with team chemistry.

Adelaide CEO, Nick Barbato, expects Franklin to be a strong contributor on and off the court.

“I think there’s two sides to every story,” he told News Corp. “To have a long career in China you have to be of a certain character and have a certain discipline about you.

“You’re looking at one isolated incident, but if you look at the body of work for his career, it’s been fine.

Adding to Adelaide’s confidence is the fact Franklin is already known to head coach, CJ Bruton, and assistant, Craig Simpson, via the Toronto Raptors and Chinese Basketball Association respectively.

For the full story head to >> NBL free agency 2023: All the latest news and whispers around off-season player movement.