Boomers coach Brian Goorjian was stunned when he discovered Australian Dante Exum had been waived by the Houston Rockets.
Exum, 26, looked to be handed an NBA lifeline when the former No.5 draft pick was signed in September to a non-guaranteed contract with the Rockets.
While Exum has been plagued by injuries for much of his career and only played six games last season, it was hoped the Australian would find a new franchise following his stellar outing during the Olympics.
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The point guard was a crucial part of Goorjian’s system and was a vital piece to Australia’s historic bronze medal run. Exum averaged 9 points and 2.8 assists per game during the Tokyo Olympics.
“I was kind of rocked when I heard the news,” Goorjian told AAP.
“I’m just hoping that somebody else comes and knocks on his door.
“He’s an NBA player. There’s no doubt in my mind you’re getting a good get.”
Goorjian said he thought the situation was a perfect opportunity for the former Cavalier and Jazz point guard to rejuvenate his career.
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“I thought Houston was a great situation for him, or maybe it can be like a Patty Mills situation where he goes to a team that’s loaded and he plays that role of a good guy coming off the bench who can bring a lot to the team,” he said.
Exum’s form after the Olympics led to many former stars, including Australian basketball legend Andrew Bogut, calling for the point guard to be picked up by an NBA team before Houston briefly stepped in.