'Breakers must lift around PJC'

The New Zealand Breakers have stumbled through a challenging start to the NBL26 season, struggling to find consistency, and Mark Worthington says it’s time for Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s teammates to step up.

“Where they’ve fallen short is that I don’t think they’ve got the requirements out of their other two imports in (Izaiah) Brockington and (Rob) Baker,” Worthington said on NBL Now.

The Breakers got a big win last Wednesday in their Ignite Cup opener, led by their superstar point guard who had a historic night with 17 assists, a new club record.

“PJC is probably the most underrated superstar that we have in this league,” Worthington added.

“Maybe because he lives in New Zealand, but his ability to do it as a scorer, as a passer, but also change the complexion of a game because of his speed is impressive.”

As the Breakers look for answers going forward, Worthington is adamant that it must start with Brockington and Baker.

“I'm not sure what Baker's role was supposed to be at the start of the season, but I got the feeling it was a stretch big man that could shoot but hasn't really been shooting it,” he added.

“Brockington was supposed to be the bucket getter that hasn't been able to get buckets so far.”

New Zealand hosts Tasmania on Friday night, desperate to get off the bottom of the NBL standings.