JackJumpers ready if NBA calls

The Tasmania JackJumpers roster might be complete, but according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, they may have one more move to go.

“Will Magnay is currently in the US with an NBA team, so there is an opportunity there for him to potentially get on an NBA roster,” he said on The Marketplace.

“We obviously know what Will Magnay is… he’s an Olympian. And a lot of NBA teams liked him around that time as well… so he can carve out a role on an NBA roster in some capacity.”

The JackJumpers recently filled all their roster spots with the signing of scoring guard Bryce Hamilton joining for NBL26.

“We look at the roster build here and only see two imports,” Uluc said.

“Initially they were thinking with Josh Bannan’s injury history… Will Magnay’s injury history is a bit touch and go… it’s probably good to have the insurance of only having two imports.

“With Magnay now over in the US with an NBA team… having a third import up your sleeve is so important and so valuable, because if he does go, then you can fill that spot with a highly talented guy and it doesn’t change the balance of this team.”

It was back in 2020 when Magnay had his first taste of NBA action when he joined the New Orleans Pelicans after a very impressive season for the Brisbane Bullets.

This is somewhat déjà vu for Scott Roth’s team, who lost Jack McVeigh around a similar time last season, and it left a big hole in the squad.

“I can understand what they’re thinking here. Because what happened last year with Jack McVeigh can’t happen again,” Pete Hooley said.

“So, they have to be prepared if they lose a local to the NBA, there’s probably no other locals available.

“You’ve got a backup plan in case that happens and with a high-level import that you can go and find, it would slot in nicely.”

While the JackJumpers prepare for every situation, Hooley still believes this team is well constructed for success this season.

“I’m super high on this Tasmania team. I think it’s been built perfectly.”

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