Koponen’s public criticism of Baker II has put the highlight firmly on the Breakers’ defensive points at a vital level within the season, with the coach insisting accountability is important regardless of pushback from the participant’s camp. Whereas Baker stays one of many workforce’s most dependable perimeter scorers, his defensive shortcomings have change into a flashpoint as New Zealand slip down the ladder and face mounting strain to right their weaknesses and maintain their playoff hopes alive.
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Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen delivered blunt however constructive suggestions to import Rob Baker II following his facet’s 99-91 loss to the Perth Wildcats on Sunday.
Baker II was benched halfway by means of the third quarter after a number of defensive lapses, with Koponen opting to not return the import to the sport for the rest of the competition. The choice – and the reasoning behind it – was addressed immediately within the post-match press convention.
“This has been the query with Baker from the start of the season – can he guard?” Koponen mentioned.
“At this time he confirmed he couldn’t.
“Carlín [Davison] did a significantly better job and it’s nothing private. It’s basketball.
“On one finish, Baker could make some photographs, however on the identical time you’ve gotten to have the ability to play defence. At this time he couldn’t.”
Koponen additionally acknowledged the difficulty extends past one participant, pointing to the Breakers’ broader struggles defending elite wings throughout the league.
“It wasn’t the primary time. We’ve had video games the place [Jack] McVeigh had 40, 49,” he mentioned.
“It’s not solely Baker – we’ve got issues guarding a few of the high-level wings on this league, and we’ve got to do a greater job.”
Foxsports.com.au spoke to Baker II’s agent, Darrell Comer, who pushed again on Koponen’s public feedback.
“I’m utterly in opposition to the concept of gamers and coaches criticising one another negatively within the media,” Comer mentioned.
“The Breakers have an opportunity to win the Ignite Cup and make the playoffs. There’s no cause to poke holes in your individual ship.
“Rob will proceed to be a whole skilled by means of this case and work onerous to assist the workforce win when given the chance. I’m positive he’s motivated greater than ever to step it up defensively.”
Baker II has now performed 22 video games for the Breakers and stays one of many NBL’s most dependable perimeter threats. He’s averaging 10.5 factors, 4.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per recreation, whereas capturing an environment friendly 40.2 per cent from past the arc.
Nonetheless, the Breakers have slipped to eighth on the ladder after being overtaken by the Illawarra Hawks. Sitting at 8–14, the hole to the highest six and the play-in positions continues to slim, putting elevated strain on Koponen to make sure his import responds to the defensive suggestions within the weeks forward.
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