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MELBOURNE - The Sydney Kings have sacked underperforming import guard EJ Rowland, three days before their Australian National Basketball League clash with the New Zealand Breakers.
Coach Brian Goorjian confirmed the 23-year-old American had been cut after a series of poor performances in recent weeks.
"EJ is a fine young man and good basketball player, but the piece of the puzzle we need doesn't work for him and doesn't work for us," said Goorjian.
"We need someone that is going to run our team and create for these guys and that's not naturally his game.
"As the season has gone on things have been getting worse, the pressure on him and on the team has meant everyone has been feeling uncomfortable, which is taking a toll.
"This decision gives him an opportunity to get on with his career."
The Kings will look for an experienced guard to replace Rowland, who averaged 12.7 points in his 12 games with the Kings. The Kings' other import, forward Rodney Elliott, is also under pressure to lift his output.
The Breakers host the Kings at the North Shore Events Centre on Thursday night.
- AAP
