Where's Walton? "Elite playmaker" set to leave Phoenix

Sunday, May 4, 2025

ESPN's Olgun Uluc has reported South East Melbourne Phoenix guard Derrick Walton Jr. is unlikely to return in NBL26.

Hailed as one of the league's "most elite playmaking guards", Derrick Walton Jr is unlikely to return to the South East Melbourne Phoenix's roster in NBL26, according to ESPN Insider Olgun Uluc.

“It’s felt that way for a good amount of time, it doesn’t feel like he’s returning," Uluc said on The Marketplace.

“We’ve always reported that Walton Jr. has a desire to stay in the NBL.

“It doesn’t seem right now that he’ll be with the Phoenix."

Despite suffering two hamstring injuries during NBL25, the 30-year-old still managed to average 11.3 points, across 18 appearances.

NBL Analyst and 2018 champion, Pete Hooley said Walton Jr.'s reputation in the league - having won the NBL23 Finals MVP award - could make him hot property.

“There’s some spots around the League you can see pop up and you can put the gaps in there and have a look at depth charts of who needs an import point guard. Could he fill that?" he said.

"Understand he’s coming off two soft tissue injuries, but at his very best he’s one of the most elite playmaking guards in the league."