Wieskamp: Phoenix Key to NBA Return

Already a veteran of a pair of NBA seasons, new Phoenix recruit Joe Wieskamp believes a dominant season with South East Melbourne could catapult him back onto an NBA roster.

Having touched the floor in 38 appearances with San Antonio and Toronto, Wieskamp has the NBA bug and despite having a strong campaign with the Maine Celtics in the NBA’s G-League and being on the Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League roster, the Iowa-born wing says it’s the Phoenix that’ll give him his best shot.

“The NBL is a similar style of play to the NBA, it’s well scouted by the NBA and I feel it’s a good platform for me to play and it’s a great opportunity,” Wieskamp told Phoenix Media.

“Everything the Phoenix have to offer in terms of development is great, I get to come and work on my game, be a guy that can help try and win games for the team.”

It was Tyler Cook’s short-but-impressive stint with the Phoenix that helped nudge Wieskamp towards the club, and conversations with the front office staff cemented his want to head down under.

As for what Wieskamp can bring to the Heartland, the list is long.

“I’m a great shooter, and I feel like I’m a good rebounder … I’m able to get downhill and finish at the rim and I finish well at a high rate.”

“I think for a wing position being a guy that can rebound defensively, and attack the offensive glass and get easy put backs are my strengths.”

The 24-year-old – who jumped an astonishing 106.6cm vertical  at the NBA Draft Combine – is currently at the NBA Summer League before making the trip to Australia (for the first time) with his wife and young son.

Wieskamp joins former NBA guard Derrick Walton Jr, Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover, Jordi Hunter, Tom Vodanovich and Luke Fennell as off-season recruits on the revamped Phoenix roster ahead of NBL25.