Basketball: Breakers gain one, lose one

The New Zealand Breakers have signed American Rich Melzer for the Australian National Basketball League but are looking for another import to replace the departing Mike Chappell.

The club described Melzer, 25, as a 2.03m scoring machine who had been playing for the Orlando Magic in the American NBA Summer League.

"Rich has been highly recommended by our scouts in the United States," coach Andrej Lemanis said.

"We're looking forward to seeing if he's going to be a star or just a very good player."

A noted shot-blocker, rebounder as well as scorer, Melzer appealed as a strong defender with quality all-round skills, Lemanis said.

"He's going to be a class No 4 for us and gives us a good platform to secure a free-scoring, penetrative No 3 to replace Mike."

Although Chappell had another year to run on his contract, he and the Breakers had mutually agreed to an early release.

The club said the popular American and his partner were keen to be closer to family after the birth of their son and he was looking at playing options closer to home.

- NZPA