Head of the family: Bullets back Adams to lead

The Brisbane Bullets are backing Jaylen Adams to be their on-court leader in NBL26.

A former Sydney King, league MVP and NBL22 Champion, Adams brings a winning pedigree and high-level experience that the Bullets are counting on to elevate their season.

New Brisbane coach Stu Lash said the connection was immediate when the two first spoke, setting the tone for what they hope is a breakthrough campaign for the club.

“He and I had a connection from the very first phone call. And quite frankly, there’s probably no position on the floor that a head coach needs to have a stronger relationship with than the point guard,” Lash said.

“He and I talked about that. We need him to be an extension of us as a staff on the floor.

“I think he’s ready for that next step in his maturation as a player. Nobody’s questioning the guy’s talent and ability, but as you continue to grow and develop as a player, it’s about what areas a guy like that can continue to improve in. He and I talked a lot about leadership, professionalism, accountability, really just taking the club from the front and being a pivotal driver of that.”

With Adams now locked in as the team’s focal point, the front office must turn its attention to building the right supporting cast around him. Whether those final two roster spots go to imports or locals remains to be seen, and Lash isn’t giving much away.

“We could still bring in an import, could be two locals. We could wait until the season or during the season to bring in an import, which is a scenario that some teams look at, because it’s an ability to improve your team during the season where there are very few avenues to actually do that,” he said.

“They’re all things we’re talking about and flushing out. Getting Jaylen in the fold now gives us clarity at that position, which allows us to take that wider lens approach and figure out what we want to do with those last two spots.

“I know it’s been quiet for some time on that front with the roster build, but that was all strategically planned by us because we were targeting specific guys and still are. Sometimes decisions are a two-way street. Just because we want somebody, the other side has to decide on that too. There were other factors coming in that extended those processes, which can be challenging and frustrating at times.

“But I’m really proud of the organisation for not being reactionary and aborting that plan and strategy, because you can fall into those traps. So for where we are right now, I just couldn’t be happier and more excited.”

The Bullets endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing eighth after a cascade of injuries derailed their momentum. But with a refreshed roster and renewed intent, there's a clear sense that this year will be different.

“Malcolm [Watts] and the entire staff have done a great job around the edges, getting this organisation to a point where we’re sitting at the table with the type of players like a Jaylen Adams and even some of the other guys we were talking to earlier in the process.”

Adams will make his official debut with the Bullets when they open their NBL26 campaign on September 19 away against the Breakers.

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