'I'm not letting him leave New Zealand': Anstey

Lamar Patterson wound back the clock on Thursday night, powering the Brisbane Bullets to a massive comeback win over New Zealand.

The University of Pittsburgh alum, who is a two-time All-NBL First Team member and is currently signed as a Nominated Replacement Player, hit 10 of his 14 shots from the field on his way to a season-high 20 points.

That impressive performance, as well as his solid play over the past few weeks for Stu Lash's side, has one NBL legend singing his praises.

"Lamar Patterson is working his way into either keeping his contract with Brisbane or, in fact, finding a home somewhere else in the NBL," two-time NBL MVP Chris Anstey said.

"Teams could do worse than sign Lamar Patterson."

In particular, Anstey went as far as to say the Bullets' Round 6 opponents should not let Patterson leave New Zealand.

"New Zealand can be competitive with Parker Jackson-Cartwright and the core of New Zealand players they've got, but they need a second, genuine import.

"Maybe it's Lamar Patterson, if Brisbane make a move, but it's certainly not Rob Baker, I think he may very well be the next import on an airplane home.

"[If I'm the Breakers] I'm not letting him leave, I'd make sure he stays in New Zealand. I'd be sending Rob Baker on that airplane home.

"Hopefully the Breakers know someone at customs at Auckland Airport to try and get him out from leaving this morning."

Patterson played with the Breakers during the NBL21 Season, before being released due to injury.

The Bullets host South East Melbourne on Saturday from 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.