Basketball: Tigers sign former NBA player

The Melbourne Tigers NBL club signed former NBA former top-10 draft pick Jonny Flynn on Monday to replace sacked import Kevin Braswell.

23-year-old Flynn was the sixth pick of the 2009 NBA draft and spent time with Minnesota, Houston, Portland and most recently Detroit.

He was waived by the Pistons last month, paving the way for the point guard to join the NBL.

The signing of Flynn, who made the 2010 NBA All-Rookie second team, is a massive coup for the Tigers, who are 1-4 in their first season under new coach, former Boomer Chris Anstey.

The Tigers announced on Monday they had axed Braswell just a day after their breakthrough win of the NBL season.

The Tigers triumphed over Townsville 91-66 in Melbourne on Sunday afternoon but their patience has run out with Braswell and his persistent knee problems.

The 33-year-old only managed eight points and six assists against the winless Crocs.

Flynn is expected to train with his new teammates as soon as Tuesday and could possibly line up against Adelaide at Hisense Arena on Friday night.

- AAP