Why Mennenga was the Breakers’ most important signing

The New Zealand Breakers have secured what may prove to be their most significant off-season move before free agency has even opened, locking in local big man Sam Mennenga.

“This was their most important domino to fall,” Pete Hooley said.

“Mennenga was arguably the hottest free agent on the market, as local bigs are highly sought after on the world market.”

With star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright already locked in, there was growing concern among Breakers fans that his frontcourt partner could be lost in free agency.

"Sam has proven himself to be one of the premier big men in this league," Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher said.

"His growth over the last 12 months, from his time with the LA Lakers in NBA Summer League to becoming a focal point of our offence, has been remarkable."

Mennenga’s rise became undeniable throughout the NBL26 season, where he averaged close to 18 points and seven rebounds per game.

While the campaign ultimately fell short of expectations, Hooley believes there was a clear long-term strategy at play, even as the Breakers battled injuries in their push for a Finals spot.

“Many fans were upset when the team didn’t either replace an import earlier in the year or add a new piece when the injuries hit,” he said.

“But this was always the plan for the Breakers.

“Part of that is being smart enough to understand that taking on a bigger financial hit this season, probably still wouldn’t have had them winning a championship. So why not just put that money aside to go all in during the off-season.

“This move signals that exact intent.”

Mennenga averaged 17.7 points and 6.9 rebounds a game across NBL26.