Breakers Sensationally Sign the Best Small Forward in the A-NBL

An internationally recognised scoring machine with two-years' experience in the NBA has signed a one-year deal to bolster the already impressive Sky Sport Breakers roster for NBL21.

28-year-old Lamar Patterson has been one of the most fearsome players in the Australian National Basketball League for the Brisbane Bullets, with his proven cross-court abilities propelling him into the All-NBL First Team the last two seasons.

The All-NBL First Team is one of the highest honours in the league.  It recognises the very best players and is voted on by the head coach, assistant coach, and captain of each team after the season.

No Breakers player has made the All A-NBL First Team since Cedric Jackson in 2015.

Current captain Tom Abercrombie and former stars Kirk Penney, CJ Bruton, Gary Wilkinson, and Carlos Powell are the only other Breakers players to have been bestowed the honour in the club's proud 17-year history.

Representatives of Patterson, who has played 40 NBA games, approached the Breakers last month after learning Scotty Hopson was still mulling over a contract sent to him in March.

"No club can ignore Lamar Patterson if he comes knocking because he's a superstar in this league and statistically has been the best Small Forward in the NBL for the last two seasons," said Breakers owner Matt Walsh.

"It's evident after so much bad luck last season our fortunes have changed."

Patterson suited up 40-times for the Atlanta Hawks over two seasons, playing an average of 10.9 minutes a game.

However, it is in the A-NBL he has shone, averaging 21 points, six rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 28 games for last season.

The American import set his season-high 36 points in 33 minutes against the Breakers in December, scoring double figures 27-times in 28 games.

Patterson scored 20 points or more 15-times during the season and 30 points or more 5-times.  He also recorded three double-doubles.

"Lamar is a proven guy all over the world, and we had major issues trying to stop him when we played him," said Breakers Head Coach Dan Shamir.

"We are incredibly happy about this pickup because we wanted a player who can do it all.

"Lamar Patterson and Scotty Hopson are similar players, both of them pick and roll with similar size.

"Lamar is slightly better in the low post, and is harder to stop around the rim.  Hopson is a marginally better player on the open floor.

"The signing of Lamar means we now have one of the best starting units I've ever coached."

In 2019, his first season with the Bullets, Patterson averaged 18.1 points 6.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists over 22 appearances, including hitting double figures in 21 of those games.

The acquisition of Patterson means the Sky Sport Breakers have now filled eight of the ten roster spots for NBL21.

The A-NBL brought in 10 man roster limits following the Covid pandemic with clubs only allowed to sign two imports this season – although a "Next Star" like RJ Hampton sits outside the roster.

Matt Walsh says the Breakers will be signing a "Next Star" for NBL21.
 
Lamar Patterson will arrive in Auckland in early October, with NBL21 expected to tip off around December 3.