NBA Star Montrezl Harrell signs with 36ers

The Adelaide 36ers have signed NBA star Montrezl Harrell as a Nominated Injury Replacement Player for this season. Olgun Uluc reported on Wednesday that the 515 game, NBA sixth man of the year would replace Jarell Martin until he is healthy however there is potential that even once Martin comes back Harrell may stay. The 36ers would have to delist a local player in order to do so.

This is a much needed boost for the 36ers on the eve of the season as there was not a lot of front court depth to begin with so losing Martin was a huge blow. Harrell brings incedible athleticism, adds much needed rebounding and hustle as well as a lot of experience dominating at the highest level. He is such a huge presence and can score anyway he likes.

There have been quite a few high profile signings in the NBL but this is the biggest in my opinion. The 30 year old has had an incredible career starting out playing for Louisville in college where he recieved the Karl Malone award for being the top power forward in the nation. He was picked 32nd overall in the 2015 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets where he played 2 seasons. He then moved to the Los Angeles Clippers and really flourished averaging 11 points and 4 rebounds in his first season. The following year he averaged 16.6 points and 6.5 rebounds cementing himself as a dominant force. In his 2019-20 season with the Clippers he won NBA sixth man of the year averaging 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The following year he went to the Lakers before moving to Washington, Charlotte and Philadelphia.

Unfortunately he suffered a torn ACL as well as a tear in his meniscus in 2023 which led to Philadelphia waiving him. Since then he has worked his way back from injury and most recently played for The Ville in the The Basketball Tournament. Over the past few months he has been at NBA minicamps with the Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trailblazers.

Over his 8 seasons in the NBA he has played 515 games and averaged 12.1 points and 5 rebounds. Without doubt this is a great opportunity to show NBA teams his progress and work his way back onto a roster as he most definitely should be on one.

And he will be here soon according to Matt Weston, saying he will land either this Saturday or Sunday. He should suit up for the 36ers first game of the season against the Perth Wildacats at Hoopsfest and his first home game will be October 3rd against the Phoenix. This is a game changer for the Sixers and I could not be more excited.

Photo via: thesportingbase.com