Ninnis: ‘We need a leader’

The Adelaide 36ers are on the recruiting path at the NBA’s Summer League, as they look to fill two key import spots.

Head coach Scott Ninnis says the 36ers are looking for imports to complement their star locals, Isaac Humphries and Dejan Vasiljevic.

“It’s no secret we’re looking for a point guard and a four-man,” Ninnis told NBL Media. 

“I need someone to lead our team. There’s no secret to that. 

“We’ve got a couple of great pieces of the puzzle from the Australian content, but I need someone to lead this team, be poised, be a distributor, be a scorer, be a little bit of everything.”

Adelaide showed huge improvement in the back half of last season under Ninnis’ tutelage, but the departures of several key players means they’re on the hunt for high-end talent. 

Mitch McCarron, Jacob Wiley, Kyrin Galloway, Trey Kell III and Trentyn Flowers have all left the club, leaving some clear holes in the roster. Lat Mayen’s arrival from Cairns helps, but finding some talented imports now becomes vital. 

“We’ve obviously got our names of people we’re looking at and agents we’ve been speaking to,” Ninnis said.

“It’s great to be here and see them first-hand, and talk to them first-hand as well.”

The addition of Mike Wells, someone with over 30 years’ coaching experience and 26 years with the NBA and Team USA will no doubt help the 36ers’ recruitment hopes. 

“Getting Mike Wells is a coup for us and for me. The guy’s had 20 years’ experience in the NBA and he knows everybody here. It’s unbelievable,” Ninnis added.

Summer League will run until July 23, Australian time, with Adelaide hopeful of securing their imports across the next week.  

“Hopefully we’ve got something to tell you about sooner rather than later,” Ninnis added.