"We need more from him": Koponen

The New Zealand Breakers are still searching for their spark. Sunday’s loss to the unbeaten Melbourne United dropped them to 2-6, with imports Izaiah Brockington and Rob Baker II still finding their groove.

While the former has started to regain the form that saw him win the CODE Sports NBL Blitz MVP earlier this year, thanks to double-digit scoring in three of his past four games, Baker II has struggled.

He's scored a total of just eight points across the club’s two Round 5 matches.

Head coach Petteri Koponen made a frank assessment during his post-game press conference.

“Obviously, we need something more from him [Baker],” Koponen said.

“He came late after pre-season, and he's kind of stuck in this league. Is he five? Is he four?

“This league is so mobile with fours, as they initiate offence. He needs to get better with this and be on time, especially at the defensive end.

“He's one of the best shooters we have, and that's what he can do. [But] we need to find him in better positions, to try to help him to integrate.”

Baker, who is averaging 9.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season, and his Breakers host Brisbane on Thursday at Spark Arena.

The Round 6 clash tips off at 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.