Bullets back "unorthodox" coach, slam critics

Brisbane Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts has hit back at talk surrounding Stu Lash and his ‘unorthodox approach’.

Last week, NBL legend Mark Worthington took to X and called Lash ‘not a coach’, questioning his hiring as the Bullets' head coach.

"Red flags at the Bullets with Stu Lash," wrote on Twitter on September 27.

"Worldwide search for a (Head Coach). Gifted by his mate and co-owner (Jason) Levien. Basketball Resume: Scout & Video co-ordinator (02-06); (and) Director of play personnel (09-12).

"This team deserves better. He’s not a coach. Vandy & DMac are babysitting."

In a recent interview with SENQ Breakfast, Watts slammed that chatter and backed Lash unequivocally.

"From inside the tent, everything's going really well," Watts said to SENQ Breakfast.

"I think from what I see day-to-day, Stu has implemented, it is an unorthodox approach in that we've empowered our assistant coaches because we believe that they're extremely high quality as well.

"So, you know, I think there's probably optics on people watching some games, you know, probably looking and thinking that our assistant coaches are doing a lot more than they should.

"But it's just leaning into empowering them. But also it's, Stu is without a doubt the head coach in the building and he knows his stuff. But we were going to get that criticism. I knew it was coming.

"We stand by the decision and I think, you know, things are going to be on the up from this weekend.

"For anyone that's ever been inside an organisation, the assistant coaches absolutely do a huge amount of work but ultimately the wins and losses stop with the head coach.”

Lash and his Bullets play their first home game on Saturday, hosting the Tasmania JackJumpers at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 8pm AEST.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.