Lee’s next step after JackJumpers’ departure.
ESPN’s Olgun Uluc reports that several teams are interested in import center Marcus Lee.
Following the revelation that Marcus Lee would not be returning to the Tasmania JackJumpers for NBL25, supporters from clubs across the league have been clamouring for their team to recruit the popular import-five for the upcoming season.
Lee has presumably been replaced on the JackJumpers’ roster by former Brisbane and South East Melbourne player Gorjok Gak, and the defensive stopper might find himself with his third NBL team in three seasons for the 2017 season.
Lee has been a defensive juggernaut since joining Melbourne United midway through NBL23, and despite being injured for the final games of Tasmania’s title run, he forged a critical relationship as a center with Will Magnay.
ESPN’s Olgun Uluc says there is some interest around the competition in Lee, who is interested in continuing his NBL career should the right fit be found.
“[In] his first year with Melbourne United, he was exceptional defensively, and his advanced data was off the charts. Uluc revealed on The Marketplace that in his second year with the Tasmania JackJumpers, he won a championship.
“Both of those fan bases would have fallen in love with him because he’s a fantastic man who, off the court, connects with the community.
“He’s also someone I know wants to stay in the NBL, so he’ll consider any offer that comes his way.
“Right now, there are bites and little nibbles, but there’s no full-blown team ready to go all-in just yet on Marcus Lee but he has interest in coming back to the league.”
With a few of imports signed on to clubs across the league and local spots progressively filling up, it is conceivable that a number of import positions will remain open by the time NBA Summer League begins in July.
Former Melbourne United guard, Peter Hooley, believes Lee’s interest in remaining in the NBL in some capacity could slow the decision-making process for a number of teams who could be interested in signing him.
“Because he has a desire to stay in the NBL, teams can be a little slower in that because they know he’ll continue to entertain that – I’m sure he’ll entertain things from the rest of the world as well,” Hooley said.
“From what I’ve been told, Melbourne United would be a good suitor for him but now they’ve got Rob Loe that kind of changes things, it also depends on what happens with Ian Clark and there’s mutual interest there from what I’ve been told to bring him back.
“There are a lot of teams around the league that could suit him as a backup five because he’s not going to be as expensive as others, and it would shock me if he’s not in NBL25.
“You can put Marcus Lee in a lot of these reserve spots and he’s going to help these teams.”
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