Sobey to keep starting spot

South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Mike Kelly has shut down any thought of moving star guard Nathan Sobey to the bench. 

There has been some suggestions the Phoenix’s marquee signing would be better placed as a sixth man, in the hope of breaking out of an early season slump and creating better opportunities for Sobey and Derrick Walton Jr to shine together. 

However, after Sobey had 24 points against the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday, Kelly said he has “no plan to change things”. 

“Line-ups are a constant discussion, but that hasn’t really been in the forefront of my mind, bringing Sobes off the bench,” Kelly told Newscorp. 

Walton Jr had just two points against the Breakers and Kelly is looking forward to seeing his All-NBL calibre guards firing at the same time. 

“You would hope that sooner or later they could both fire on the same night,” Kelly said.

There has been a theme of star players coming off the bench to start NBL25 including Sydney’s Cam Oliver, Melbourne’s Chris Goulding, Perth’s Dylan Windler and Adelaide’s Montrezl Harrell. 

"We need to remove the negative connotation around coming off the bench"

Should the Phoenix bring Nathan Sobey off the bench?

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Sobey coming off the bench was a big talking point on this week’s NBL Overtime, with Peter Hooley believing it could be the best option. 

“If coming off the bench is the right move for Nathan Sobey, so be it,” Hooley said.

“Every other team has an impact guy coming off the bench…we need to remove the negative connotation around coming off the bench. If you’re still playing 30 plus minutes and finishing the game, you’re one of the most important players in the competition.  

“I think it would really free him (Sobey) up a little bit and it would also help the Phoenix have role clarity in the starting five.”

Former Phoenix superstar Mitch Creek added the minutes of Sobey and Walton Jr could be better staggered, but also explained how the team needs to do the little things right, such as screening and executing plays, to ensure the best results. 

“They can’t both bounce the ball at the same time,” Creek said.

“There is some part to play in the fours and fives, getting those guys open on pin downs, transition screens, short rolling and creating opportunities for Jordan Hunter to finish around the ring. 

“Right now we are seeing a lot of pick and pop, dribble hand off, pitch action, but are we setting good screens, rolling to the front of the ring and letting other guys play around that, or are we just letting those two guards dribble around trying to make it work? 

“I think you have to pick one, bench the other a little bit, but bring him in and let him play those high minutes as well.”

The Phoenix will look to record their first win of the season on Thursday night against the 36ers at 7:30pm AEST live on ESPN.