The injury bug hit the New Zealand Breakers early this season with import Justinian Jessup out indefinitely with a pelvic injury, but the team has moved quickly to fill his absence, reportedly signing former NBA player Anthony Lamb.
According to ESPN, New Zealand will initially bring in Lamb as an injury replacement for Jessup, but will aim to keep him in a Breakers uniform long-term, despite his contract having an NBA-out, meaning he can leave the team at any time if he receives an NBA opportunity.
With the Breakers currently in America ahead of their clash with NBA team the Portland Trail Blazers, Lamb will reportedly join the team immediately, as they hope he can boost a team currently 1-1, with dreams of returning to the NBL finals for a second-straight year.
Jessup averaged 9.5 points, two rebounds, and two assists to begin his NBL season, but according to ESPN, he is out indefinitely, leaving Lamb a large hole to fill.
Anthony Lamb NBA statsLamb has spent the last three years on the fringe of the NBA; most recently he played 62 games for the Golden State Warriors during the 2022/23 season, where he put up averages of 6.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
However, he then became a free agent during the off-season and was unable to find his way onto another NBA roster, leading him to sign with the New Zealand Breakers.
STATISTIC ANTHONY LAMB 2022/23 Games 62 Points 6.7 Rebounds 3.5 Assists 1.5 Steals 0.5 Blocks 0.3 Turnovers 0.9 FG% 47.1 3PT% 36.7 FT% 76.7 Anthony Lamb rape allegationAnthony Lamb has been one of the most controversial players in the NBA during his time in the league, due to a sexual assault allegation that dates back to his time at the University of Vermont.
Lamb is accused of sexually assaulting former Vermont swimmer Kendall Ware, according to a civil suit filed by three women against the University.
In a statement given to The Athletic, Lamb denied these accusations.
"The allegations made against me in 2019 that have recently resurfaced are patently false," Lamb said.
"I have always been fully cooperative regarding the alleged incident, and have welcomed any investigation into the matter. Simply put, I have never committed sexual assault."
