Bullets disappointed by Bogut claims

Brisbane Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts has responded to comments made by former Australian basketballer and current Sydney Kings part-owner, Andrew Bogut, about Nathan Sobey’s departure from the club.

Speaking on his ‘Rogue Bogues’ podcast, Bogut labelled head coach Justin Schueller’s commentary about Sobey on SENQ as “pretty f*cked up” and questioned whether players would want to sign for Brisbane because of it.

Watts believes Schueller’s comments were taken out of context.

“We understand comments made by head coach Justin Schueller in a recent interview regarding Nathan’s departure and the future direction of the Club, in succession, have been interpreted negatively. This was never the Club nor Justin’s intention,” Watts said.

“It has been disappointing that this story has gone beyond the intent and has overshadowed what should have been a positive departure for Nathan and his family.

“It has been a genuine priority this year to reconnect with our past players and that they feel valued and respected long after their time in a Bullets jersey.

“It is important to note that the decision on Nathan’s departure was by mutual agreement and we hope the move provides a positive opportunity for the club and an equally positive outcome for Nathan in what he wanted to achieve and the mechanics to do so.

“Justin has been a huge supporter of Nathan while he was in Brisbane and the entire organisation recognises the significant contribution he made to the Bullets both on and off the court.

“Justin has handled his media commitments and responsibilities with absolute professionalism during the season, making himself and the playing group available as often as possible.”

South East Melbourne General Manager of Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell also said Schueller’s words had been misinterpreted.

“I think I understand what he was trying to convey - it’s a new era up there and they’re starting from scratch to a degree,” Mitchell said on NBL Now.

“Nathan is a winner and wants to win, and perhaps Nathan and the club see winning can happen more easily for him elsewhere and they can get closer to where they want to be as well.

“He’s a high-level talent, we’re happy to have him here, and he’s going to do great things for the Phoenix.”

Sobey was officially confirmed as a South East Melbourne player on April 15, while Brisbane has signed Deng Adel and Tohi Smith-Milner so far in free agency.