Nuggets Release Gayle
Tagged in: Competitions, NBL
The Cartridge World Otago Nuggets have released American swingman Lemar Gayle for conduct detrimental to the team.
Basketball Otago, which operates the Nuggets franchise, will not replace Gayle as Dominion Finance NBL rules do not allow for a replacement with less than five games remaining in the regular season.
The Nuggets (2-14) had earlier applied to have a player replace centre Jason Greig on the roster, after Greig broke his leg against the CPS Nelson Giants in round 10, but their request for dispensation was rejected.
“It is disappointing to make this decision late in the season but I believe that for the organisation and the teams’ continued development this is the best course of action,” Nuggets general manager Warrick Diack said.
“The team has proven throughout this season that they can compete effectively at this level, and this has been whilst facing some very considerable challenges, particularly in the second half of the season.”
Gayle, second in the League in scoring and 14th in rebounding, had averaged 26.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while shooting 46.9 percent from the field, in 14 games for the struggling Nuggets.
Otago close out their season with a home game against the Youthtown Auckland Stars on Saturday night, and the return Southern derby game against the Marley Canterbury Rams in Christchurch on June 7.
