Montrezl Harrell open to NBL stay

Ask Montrezl Harrell if he could see him himself playing in the NBL beyond his current short-term stay, and the answer is clear.

“I definitely can.”

The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year arrived in the league as an injury-replacement player at the Adelaide 36ers, and has quickly become a fan favourite.

He’s putting up big numbers, averaging 16.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks a game, having a huge impact in his team’s three straight wins.

While the return of Jarell Martin from injury could technically see the end of Harrell’s NBL tenure, the club will no doubt be doing everything it can to retain the star big.

“It’s a simple answer for that,” Harrell said of the prospect of staying in Australia.

“… these fans and this organisation has been nothing but giving love to me and supporting me ever since I got off that plane after the 24-hour flight.

“It’s been amazing and I’m just looking to keep doing everything that I can for this organisation, and they are giving it right back.”

Adelaide would have to open up a space on their roster to sign Harrell for the remainder of NBL25, but given his current form and the form of the team, it’s a given they’ll look to keep him on longer term.

“I’ve just been waiting to get back to play high-calibre basketball and I’m just taking it all in and enjoying it,” Harrell continued.

“I’m here with an organisation who really believes in me and what I can do for them, and I’m just enjoying the ride really.

“There’s still more to come … my wind is still coming back to me, slowly but surely. Every game it’s still building and 38 minutes tonight. I’m looking to go 40 and whatever I need to do for us to win the game. That’s what I’m all about.”

36ers coach Adelaide Mike Wells refused to be drawn on whether Harrell would remain at the club.

“I think that he has really been an interesting guy for our group of veteran NBL guys. He does some things that have been different than other teams have. His strengths as a player have kind of fit with the things we’re trying to build,” Wells said.

“Those decisions are way above me. You’ve got to have other people up here to talk about it.

“Good players fit with everybody, but it’s above my pay grade. I’m focused on the guys in the locker room.”