Basketball: Import sought as Spurs get Rich

Rich Melzer

The New Zealand Breakers are on the hunt for a new import after American Rich Melzer secured a NBA contract in his homeland.

Melzer, 26, has signed a two-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

He impressed during the Orlando Magic's summer league and spent 10 days in camp with the Spurs last month.

Melzer debuted for the Breakers last season and made a huge impression in the latter stages of the season and led the team in scoring, steals and blocked shots despite carrying a knee injury.

Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis is thrilled for Melzer personally, but admits the player's departure has complicated the coaching staff's planning.

"It's a great opportunity for Rich and we wish him every success," Lemanis said.

"It's a positive reflection on our recruitment policy to see him make the NBA and it shows players can develop here as part of our programme and that we are a viable pathway to the big time.

"Now we have to evaluate our options in securing a replacement.

"Rich not only knew our systems and culture, he is a talented player with unique skills and we need to determine the balance of our roster and sign a quality import that fits in with the make-up of the team."

Melzer said he had mixed emotions about the NBA contract because his heart was set on returning to New Zealand.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about being signed, but at the same time I'm also a little saddened because I've been waiting to go back to the Breakers ever since I left after the last season.

"I attribute a lot of this success to Andrej, John [assistant coach John Dorge] and the team because I really believe I wasn't a professional ball player until my experiences in New Zealand."

- NZPA