Breakers, Martin Agree Release with Randle Upgraded

Friday, February 11, 2022

The New Zealand Breakers and guard Jeremiah Martin have agreed to a mutual release with Chasson Randle upgraded to the roster.

Randle was initially brought in as a nominated replacement player for Peyton Siva and has remained with the team since Siva's return from injury.

In 10 games with the Breakers, Martin averaged 12.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Randle has played one game for New Zealand so far putting up eight points on Boxing Day against Tasmania.

Last season, Randle played in 41 games for the Orlando Magic averaging 6.5 points in 20.5 minutes per game.

Breakers head coach Dan Shamir thanked Martin for his time with the team and added that there were a number of factors playing into the decision from both sides.

“Jeremiah is a great guy and a great player; I’ve got nothing but good words, and he gave us everything he had,” said Shamir.

“We are not shy in saying that we can see Ousmane breaking through in practice, and we saw it last weekend on the court against the Kings, and it does have a factor in how we make decisions.”

Shamir praised Randle's skillset and how it complemented the rest of the Breakers roster.

“Chasson is a high quality player. I think he’s a very good fit with the other guys and can play with and without the ball,” said Shamir.

“It is a crazy waste having his experience here and not being able to see him play.”

Randle will be in the New Zealand lineup on Monday for their match up against Cairns, which Shamir doesn't believe should be disruptive with winning still firmly the priority.

“It is a small change; it’s not a major change,” said Shamir.

“We are replacing a two-guard with a two-guard; Chasson and Jeremiah are different players, but it doesn’t change the team altogether.

“Chasson is a guy who makes other players look better, and all of us need to be better for the remainder of the season.”

The Breakers face the Cairns Taipans on Monday night at 7:30pm AEDT live on ESPN, Kayo and SKY Sport in New Zealand.