Phoenix Ready to Embrace the Challenge: Kelly

Creek, who announced he’d be searching for international opportunities and won’t be returning to the Phoenix, has been a ginormous figure in South East Melbourne according to Phoenix boss, but Kelly was energised by the challenge the opening creates.

“He’s been a great of the club, he’s a great player, done so much for Australian basketball too, we’ll miss Creeky,” Kelly told Phoenix Media.

“Through this though we’ll be able to re-evaluate and move forward and as tough as it is, it’s an exciting time to think about what lies ahead for the club.”

Kelly, currently in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, earmarked the need to acquire power forwards and centres to shore up the roster at the beginning of the pre-season, but believes one of the players already on the roster could step up into the four role.

“I think a guy like (Next Star) Malique Lewis could compete for that spot. It’s about the minutes you play and the impact you have in those minutes.”

“But we also don’t need stars, we just need guys who are going to be stars in the roles that they’re asked to play, if that happens we have a really good chance at being successful.”

The Phoenix currently have an import spot and a local spot to fill, as well as two remaining development players they’re yet to sign, with Kelly hopeful that’ll be completed in the next fortnight ahead of the pre-season beginning on August 1.