"Slim Pickings" in Adelaide's Import Search

Friday, July 14, 2023

CJ Bruton admits it's been a tough week at the NBA's Summer League, as the 36ers search for a star import.

Whether or not Robert Franks will be suiting up for the Adelaide 36ers in NBL24 remains to be seen. It has been reported the former NBA G-League champion is searching for opportunities outside of the NBL, and that a deal with an unnamed club has already fallen through.

The 36ers have already re-signed former fan favourite Jacob Wiley – and should Franks stay, it looks like there will be something of a logjam at the power forward position for the side.

Speaking from the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Adelaide head coach CJ Bruton believes the situation will be resolved sooner rather than later.

“I’ll find out in the next 24 to 48 hours if that’s all confirmed,” Bruton said of a Franks move away from the club.

“As of right now, he’s planning on finding other opportunities overseas … I heard it’s getting close to done.

“He has our blessings as he was open and honest about what he wanted to do and where he wants to go.”

Following the culmination of Adelaide’s NBL23 season, Franks headed to Israel to represent Hapoel Gilboa Galil in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.

He played 11 times for Galil, and averaged 18 points and six rebounds per contest.

Should Franks move on from Adelaide, Bruton will have one final import spot to fill. It's a position he has previously stated he would like covered by a two-way guard.

Bruton says due to the lure of other leagues across the globe, and the ability for NBA sides to contract an extra two-way player next season, competition for signatures is high.

“It’s slim pickings right now,” he said. “It has been a very tough week.

“Everyone knows this might be playing out in the background, but I can’t engage in conversation until it gets closer to our pre-season.

“With my international experiences, the GMs and coaches I do know here in the NBA have been very open about ‘if you’re looking for this position, this is someone that might be in your range’.

“I’d also like to pinch one of they players which would also be great for the NBL.”

Adelaide’s opening game of the NBL24 season will come on Friday, September 29 against Brisbane.