Can 464 NBA games cover Brisbane’s big loss?

Raul Neto has big shoes to fill at the Brisbane Bullets, stepping in for Arnas Velička as the side heads into its Ignite Cup clash with the ladder-leading Tasmania JackJumpers short on bodies.

Velička's playmaking has been central to everything Brisbane does, and NBL Now analyst Mark Worthington says Neto brings NBA pedigree to the role, even if he isn’t the same type of point guard.

“He can’t fill the shoes of Arnas … because Arnas is one of the best passing point guards we have seen in the League in a long time,” Worthington said on NBL Now, presented by CODE Sports.

“He’s fresh off the plane … we are talking about an NBA-class point guard coming into the rotation.”

The 34-year-old veteran was signed as a replacement for Velička, who has been ruled out until early December with a quad injury.

Neto arrives from Spain, where his stint included time with FC Barcelona.

“Will Weaver would have done his due diligence … he’s got a vet who will try to figure out this League, and he’ll have to pick it up quickly,” Worthington added.

“He’s going up against Taran Armstrong as well … hopefully he’s able to run this team, keep the turnovers down and also make some plays.”

A second-round pick in 2013, Neto played 464 NBA games and represented Brazil at both the World Cup and the Olympics.

“I don’t think we’re expecting him to drop a 30-piece and dominate this game, but I’d like to see a real solid contribution and see exactly how he fits into this Bullets offence.”

Brisbane could also be without big man Tyrell Harrison and Jacob Holt, who both suffered ankle injuries within two minutes of each other last round.