Patterson returns to the Bullets

NBL First Team star Lamar Patterson has left the New Zealand Breakers to return to the Brisbane Bullets in a boost for the Bullets’ championship aspirations.

The Breakers parted ways with Patterson on Monday, paving the way for him to reunite with the Bullets after his former franchise released import guard Orlando Johnson.

Patterson has struggled to produce his best form as a marquee signing for New Zealand this season, with injuries, including a knee, restricting him to just six games.

This substandard form is why the Breakers opted to release the big-name forward and sign former G League shooting guard Levi Randolph.

Lamar Patterson’s marquee stint with the New Zealand Breakers has only lasted half a season. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Patterson’s reunion with Brisbane after half a season in New Zealand is big news and rare in NBL for a player to make a move mid-season.

The former second-round NBA draft pick has been a revelation in the NBL since joining Brisbane in 2018.

Patterson made successive All-NBL First Teams during his time at the Bullets to become known as one of the league’s best players.

The Bullets had tabled the ex-Atlanta Hawk a one-year deal with the option to upgrade over the off-season before he decided to join New Zealand.

However, Patterson’s move to the Breakers hasn’t worked and he will be hoping a return to familiar surroundings in Brisbane can help him rediscover his finest form.

The Bullets are sitting in fifth position following an impressive NBL Cup campaign in Melbourne.

If Patterson can find his fitness and form, he will help Brisbane become a legitimate threat alongside MVP-candidate Nathan Sobey.

More to come

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