Isaac
Years ago

Sixers players anxious about future

Article from Boti Nagy in The Advertiser today and available online: Anxious Sixers sitting on time bomb

"With only one player - Oscar Forman - contracted beyond the Philips Championship, uncertainty about their futures has become an active and unsettling issue."

"There is unrest in the team," Smyth said. "We're sitting on a powder keg. We're about to embark on something strenuous and the focus is not good."

"Adelaide club chairman Brenton Higgins said the 36ers board was unanimous in its support for reappointing Smyth and his assistant Steve Breheny..."


I believe that Rychart and Holmes have options for another year on their contracts. Who would you re-sign? What roster would you aim for in 2005/06, or is it too early?

Are the players right to be anxious about their futures?

Topic #1496 | Report this topic


nito  
Years ago

Unless they can get another franchise player or young future franchise player.

I think the top 8 all deserve another year.

Holmes
Forman
Rychart
Farley
Cooper
Rees
Maher
NG

The others can earn their spots again.

Its not time for these players to be signed. They are pro athletes and they know the deal. If they cant play with the pressure of not having a contract then bad luck. The end of the season is the time to sign the bulk of your players.

Im not sure what Smythes agenda would be by coming out to the media about this issue. However if it fires them up and gets them playing well on the road then great. If they dont perform then there should be a question over smythes head for this, not the players.

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Isaac  
Years ago

The article mentions that Willie and Dusty are hopeful of longer contracts (I'm assuming that 2 years is still the max).

Would you give it to them?

IMO, they're proven performers, considered one of the best import pairings in the country, and are liked by fans.

I'd be inclined to give them a couple of years each.

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nito  
Years ago

I would hope the "more security" the less they are prepared to be paid. On that basis give dusty at least 2 and I agree Farley should get 2. Pay Holmes and Forman more these guys are the future of the franchise.

I still agree with the management not signing them until Management is ready. Smythe should not be putting pressure on them to sign the players midway through the season.

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Isaac  
Years ago

I agree that it's a strange story to run, but I can't blame the players for being concerned about job security. There haven't exactly been a load of positive stories regarding basketball in SA and its financial situation. A number of imports have just been cut around the league, some despite averaging decent numbers, so perhaps that's affecting things also.

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nito  
Years ago

I cant blame them either. Anyone in their shoes would feel the same. The Chairman has come out and said they want to re-sign certain players. Obviously this gives players some certainty but not 100% until they get the deal they want.

However, I would think a little bit uncertainty can be a good thing at this time of year.

I guess Im just hoping people dont jump on the anti 6ers admin band wagon again because from my limited knowledge, based on the article they are doing the right thing here.

Reply #17008 | Report this post


red dog  
Years ago

its called projection -a psychological phenomenom where one projects one's own anxieties onto others around you. in this case read ...Smyth would like the coaching positions resolved.ie he would like his contract situation resolved. Which is an interesting Q given the drop in salary cap and the general financial lethargy around the NBL. The questions are -what are the dynamic duo worth? the current contract was a long term contract made in more bouyant times and was probably generous in more recent years considering the subsequent downturn in the league. Times have changed and players took a lot of pain eg could not be fitted in the salary cap or took pay cuts to fit team-mates in. So I think it is likely that the coaches will be facing a reduced deal. Is there a point where Phil and Steve will be looking at alternatives? Do they mind humidity????? I think they will be looking at a 70% cut at least if they want to stay in adelaide. You cant blame BASA for trying to manage scarce funds carefully. And having read the auditor generals report in relation to BASA(yes all of it) it is obvious that they are trying to do that. Yes we know that not all the options they have pursued have worked out. There is no point contracting players until the coaching team is settled. Interesting timing of the story. I guess we know what Phil wants for xmas and Boti just got his present- an opportunity to stir up BASA.

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Kent Brockman  
Years ago

There is an unofficial rule that they do not negotiate players deal during the finals. They are only a few months away so i would say that negotiating needs to start now.

If it is stalled until after the play offs can the sixers afford for players like Jacob, Oscar and Dusty to test their free agents value?

Why would you play here for 40k if another team thinks you are worth 80k.

Sixers need to stitch up the long term projects, leave some cash for Newley and also give Dusty and Willie some piece of mind without the big 5 year deal.

However imports are expendable and so the club does not necessarily need to commit to them longer than year to year.

Signing Brett for another 2 years would be a priority to stabilise the team.

As good as Phil and Steve are there is potential for others to get results for less cost then as a business you would seriously consider the options. Dave Ingham perhaps?

Reply #17012 | Report this post


nito  
Years ago

Why couldnt u negotiate them after the playoffs. Get the deals done in the 2-4 weeks as soon as the 6ers finish their playoff run.

Good imports are not expendable. They are a valuable commodity. If they, especially dusty wants a longer term deal (2-4 yrs) then why would you not give it to them?

With Mahers run of injuries his time is running out. When he plays he is of significant value, one of the best in the league, but surely he would be a yr to yr proposition now.

Reply #17014 | Report this post


Isaac  
Years ago

Maher has spoken on radio this year of his desire to play in Europe.

With his contract up at the conclusion of this season, I think 2005 might be the year he goes, unfortunately.

That, of course, would leave the Sixers with a gaping hole at PG. If both import positions are filled with Rychart and Farley, then that limits a search for a replacement (either if/when he goes, or when he retires) to Australian free agents.

Is Markovic an option? Either he's been sick/injured recently, or his minutes are down at the Razorbacks for another reason.

I've heard it suggested that he's more of a shooting guard than a point guard, but then Maher has always been a bit of both also.

Other young guards: Caporn (Hawks), Morgan (Pirates), Quick (Crocs), Robertson (Crocs), Kendall (Kings), Tait (Breakers), Cox (Wildcats).

Reply #17015 | Report this post


Stephon  
Years ago

While I admit I haven't examined the auditor's report in any great detail, I am lead to believe that the 36ers were one of the financial success stories during the 90s in the NBL and were making money rather than losing money at the same time as they were most likely breaching the salary cap.

I believe they were making decent profits even when we were paying Dunlap and Steve Smith a lot, as well as throwing huge money at guys like Rose, Trimmingham, Brunson, Rillie, Davis, etc, etc. While we weren't winning championships we had Boomers all the way down to 8th and 9th men during those years.

Yet we were still making money.

While there sure is a lot of anti-management propaganda, there is a lot of financial doom propaganda as well (mostly linked to the Distinctive Homes Dome debt).

It really has been only in the last few years where financially the 36ers have reportedly been on a decline and this has come at around the same time that it was decided that cut backs in all areas, especially the playing roster were necessary.

I have never seen the 36ers take a hit both on and off the court as was the case when the cap was lowered. There was an immediate back-lash from the fans who were forced to pay more for what was clearly an inferior product.

You may say that certain financial problems were inherited. I have no idea in this regard other than to pose the question of why were we achieving better financial results when we were spending in excess of $1million on the playing roster than we are spending $730k?

I was strong in my criticism of all the cut backs made by the 36ers at the time decisions were made so I have no problem saying that the results of the cut back (including fan back lash resulting in attendances of 4,000) were clearly foreseeable.

I don't think there is anything wrong whatsoever with Smyth wanting his stars resigned now. What kind of crazy admin would not be doing absolutely everything within their power to resign the best import duo in the league of Rychart and Farley for as long as possible?

Nito, why would you want to wait for the end of the year when other teams may also make bids for Rychart and Farley inflating their value?

While I completely agree with you that at times it is best to wait for the end of the year, when you are dealing with a couple of imports averaging over 20 points per game that are so key in the attendances of the 4,000 left I don't think you leave anything to chance. We are lucky that they are giving indications that they are keen to stay with the 36ers long term.

With the current state of the NBL if you unearth an import that is a MVP type canditate you might as well kiss them good-bye to Europe at the end of the season.

I wouldn't trade Rychart or Farley with any other imports in the league period. Farley is in my opinion the best import guard and Rychart the best import power forward in the entire league. If they are keen they should be resigned ASAP.

No doubt Smyth has an agenda as well but the fact he and Breheny haven't been resigned should be rectified as soon as possible also. I think 36ers' fans are all knowledgable enough to not have to post about their amazing coaching achievements over their years with the 36ers. They speak for themselves.

I think management should best be warned that if they think they have seen a back-lash over recent cut-back decisions they have seen nothing compared to what will occur if Smyth and Breheny are allowed to walk.

How happy would the fans be if hypothetically, Smyth was allowed to leave to replace say Lindsay Gaze at the Tigers and took a few of our top players with him while the 36ers were left to rebuild?

Would this make admin happy? They might as well move the team to Wayville and have double headers with the Lightning. That would cure the Distinctive Homes Dome dilemma.

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Libertine  
Years ago

Brad Hill could potentially be the next Newley? He's the new go-to man at the AIS, is only 18, and will graduate next year. Has a similar game to Newley, offensively explosive and amazing, a huge swingman, defensively lacking, but will be THAT much more effective than Gower/Hambour/Snake at NBL Level.

Reply #17017 | Report this post


red dog  
Years ago

given the recent cutting of imports and replacing with some decent players I think that rushing to sign imports is disastrous especially if Brett was to go overseas. There may be better imports available than available Aussie free agents. Generally the smart general would lock in the Ausies and then choose imports that balance the roster. Neither Willy or Dusty are indispensible -it depends what the team needs. Dont get me wrong I am not saying anything against Willie or Dusty. But you need to be realistic about money and also consider team roles and balance.

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Isaac  
Years ago

Would he take the college route though?

Do we have a PG option there or elsewhere?


12345
Maher
Williams
Ng
Farley
Ng
Holmes
Holmes
Rychart
Forman
Nash
Rychart
Holmes
Forman
Cooper
Nash
Rees
Cooper


If Nash were not resigned (potentially decided by injury), then a Newley-type player could move into that spot. Looking at the names above, Maher is the only one who's really publically expressed an interest in leaving, and Williams is most commonly accepted as being a temporary solution. Unfortunately both of them are in the same column!

It might be possible to push Ng into the 1 spot, but would he be interested, suited, etc? To start?

Reply #17022 | Report this post


joshuapending  
Years ago

yeah i'm really worried about brett. I remember that interview and he does what to try europe at some stage and what better time than next year after is contract is up. Think they need to get phil and staff, then try on brett for 2 if not 1 and hope to keep him going on single years as long as he wants, also gives him options to leave. Then dusty and willie. What is Mee's situation? if we loose brett and mee is open could anyone seeing dusty or willie going as sad as it would be. holmes might be harder to keep as he was hard to get this year although his indifferent shooting might make it easier. get forman for 2 i think, this year he has made big steps.

Reply #17026 | Report this post


Kriss  
Years ago

agreed, this is a worrying sign and i would be signing up Dusty and Big Will ASAP!

They should atleast start signing before the finals to install confindence in the playing group.

Put yourself in their position

Reply #17027 | Report this post


castro  
Years ago

NITO, how you can say Paul Rees deserves another year is beyond me! To not grab one rebound like he did the other night against the Hawks for a man his size is Terrible!!!

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yogee  
Years ago

The fact that Smyth and Breheny arent already being offered contract extensions is a worry in itself.

As the Boti article said, you need to get your coaches in place before you can concentrate on players. Imagine trying to sign Maher for 3 years, saying "well, it might be smyth, it might be (mark) davis, it might be brian goorjian"....yeah I could see Maher (or most other sixers) signing with the chance of Goorjian (using BG for the sake of the point, he is well and truly contracted at Sydney) being coach. NOT.

The club needs to secure a long term coaching panel ASAP, and get signing players. Farley, Rychart, and Maher should all be priorities.

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Double Clutch  
Years ago

Sidenote: wasn't there talk about Dusty getting Australian citizenship? Is he actually interested. If he did it in time, maybe we could see Dusty as a naturalised player.

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Anonymous  
Years ago

castro is a commie

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joshuapending  
Years ago

i think that was wishful thinking. It would be good though, i also remember talk at one stage of Mee getting oz citizenship when he was playing for us, i cant see someone being over here several years and then committing to Australia. Its a big move.

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Anonymous  
Years ago

I think Brett will stay even though his contract is up at the end of this season. If he had wanted to go, he would no doubt have an "out clause" in his contract and would not have needed to wait until his contract ended to take up a contract in Europe.

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EC  
Years ago

Sorry folks, the last post was from me EC, I forgot that I'm at an internet cafe and forgot to put my name in. If you have any problems, you can bag me, otherwise Merry Christmas everyone.

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Isaac  
Years ago

I don't think it's an urgent thing for Brett, but it seems to be more like something he'd like to experience -- having played in Australia, played at the Olympics, etc. So I'd imagine that he'd be more likely to preserve his image by going at the conclusion of a given contract, rather than breaking one, leaving the club in a tough spot, and having people call him a deserter (as was done with Rogers, right?). It's just a nicer way to take his leave.

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joshuapending  
Years ago

true, thats is why i think if they cant get him on a longer contract try 1 year and drag him along. He might think i can finish this year and see what happens. Then again we dont know how his family feels and we cant talk from that view so its hard to tell what would happen. If he was to go as sad as that would be it would be nice for him to do it as you said at the end of a contract rather than mid year.

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Jay  
Years ago

Didn't Phil say for years its customery after half way, or thereabouts, that they put off discussions about contracts. Now this year its suddenly become a problem. Why this year and not previous years. It has nothing to do with Phils own contract has it? It looks like Phils agent is doing his job again.

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wak  
Years ago

Brett should go to Europe while he has the chance... and shouldn't all true fans respect him and wish him the best if he does so?
He has more than given 100% to this club (a legend) and deserves the chance to evolve and earn what he can from his trade. He has stuck by this club when others have walked, through good times and tragic times.

Talking up that there's no Phil or Breheny next season is unimaginable. I would seriously have to check my loyalties at the door if they were 'pushed' out.
They have been the conductors behind Adelaide's success with the player's their orchestra.
They are vital for success in the future.

Farley and Rychart are expendible, BUT again ludicrous if they weren't kept for next season and beyond. They are the best import duo, consistently perform, and bring their game every night. The only other import in their league is Mee.

If Maher stays then new signings should be:
PG/SG - Newley #1 choice as fits both postitions (changing of the guard).
Williams should go, Ng may go due to career.
Development guard if Ng goes.
SG/SF - a Nash replacement, which shouldn't be too hard replacing someone not there!

If Maher goes then new signings should be:
Same as above, except Newly a PRIORITY!
if Maher goes then oppurtunity knocks instead of sitting behind Rillie and Rose.
Williams should go, Ng may go due to career.
Cheap proven guard.
Development guard if Ng goes.

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Isaac  
Years ago

I don't think that Newley is a PG though (averaging 1.2 APG).

I would look for an upcoming SG/SF and a PG.

I believe that Newley may be signed for 2 years to the Crocs?

Reply #17323 | Report this post


yogee  
Years ago

Jay, you seem to have an issue with Smyth for some reason.

From memory, the cut off they have for contracts is about 4 weeks from play offs (Isaac may be able to correct me there).

I think Phil's issue is that he wants to get his and Steve's contracts sorted out in a hurry (quite rightly), so they can then start concentrating on players.

If Maher does indeed go to Europe, I hope the club pulls the #5 from being available, in the interests of when Maher returns, he may finish off 1 or 2 more seasons here.

I personally think if Smyth re-signs, Maher will stay, but if new coaching came in, Maher would be long gone.

#5 MUST be retired when Maher gives it all away, he is indeed one of the true legends of the club.

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Libertine  
Years ago

I don't think we'd be seeing Newley in Adelaide colours any time soon.

Reply #17360 | Report this post


EC  
Years ago

It's true that Maher would be respected regardless of his decision because of how much he has given to this club. It's because of this loyalty and many years of excellent service that makes it all the more difficult to see him go.

Reply #17365 | Report this post




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