Four NBL clubs that could use three-time Olympian

The longer the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season goes, the louder the noise grows that Raul Neto could be extending his stay in the League.

The three-time Olympian is currently playing for the Brisbane Bullets as a Nominated Injury Replacement for Arnas Velicka, but with the Lithuanian star due back later this month, it raises the question of what happens to Neto.

Recently, ESPN’s Olgun Uluc reported that two rival clubs had expressed an interest in the Brazilian guard.

Now, on Monday’s episode of NBL Overtime, 2018 champion Pete Hooley has named a few teams that could use the services of Neto once his time in Brisbane ends.

“Teams know straight away, when you bring in an injury replacement, [they have] to make way when who they’re replacing comes back on the floor,” Hooley said.

“The Illawarra Hawks are going to be one of those teams [interested]; they’ve still got an open import spot, and don’t have to replace anyone.

“South East Melbourne Phoenix, why would you not think about Raul Neto coming in?

“The New Zealand Breakers like him as well; they’ve been looking for an extra ball handler. We’ve heard that from Gordie Herbert in the presser.

“There’s gonna be some teams that want to get him across the line.

“Even what we saw from Adelaide versus the Brisbane Bullets, and they are crying out for a ball handler without Flynn Cameron. If you’re Adelaide, are you asking the question?”

Of the four teams mentioned by Hooley, fellow panellist Derek Rucker picked the one he thought might be the best fit for Neto.

“A team that kind of makes sense is Illawarra,” Rucker said.

“Neto gives you the ability to spread the floor, and you can play a bit more small ball.

“[Honestly], Neto’s got a free audition right now. He’s playing with no pressure in Brisbane.

“He can just go out there. He knows that his horizon is limited. Just go out there and hoop, and somebody is going to make a move out of left field and sign him up.”

Brisbane will host Perth in an Ignite Cup fixture on Wednesday from 8pm AEDT, live on ESPN.