Playing in the NBA and having a lengthy career there is the best-case scenario for every hooper. But what happens when players are unable to find a spot on the roster due to injuries or declining performance? Yes, hanging the boots is one way to go. But for those who believe that they still have a lot left in the tank, trying their luck in other popular pro leagues overseas is the next best option. And it looks like Montrezl Harrell is taking that leap of faith.

As it turns out, he is all set to hop on a flight to Australia as he has found a new home in the NBL. The team that reportedly signed him? The Adelaide 36ers, who were seeking an injury replacement for their star forward Jarell Martin. Surely, many of you might be wondering if Harrell’s stay overseas is going to be permanent. Here’s the answer!

As of now, the forward has joined his new team on a short-term deal. Well, his stay is likely to last until Martin recovers completely from the rupture of the patellar tendon of his right knee from last year and a foot injury that could keep him out for a couple of months. But with NBL’s preseason already underway, there is a chance that Harrell’s stay could get extended if he fits well with the roster and impacts winning. That means he could share the court with Martin when he returns. However, the team will have to take off one Australian player to open up a spot on the roster to avail his services for a longer period. Surely, that will not be a very tough decision if Harrell is able to regain his Sixth Man of the Year form.

Best off the bench player in the NBA to an injury-riddled star

Sure enough, bringing Harrell to Australia is one of the most high-profile signings the league has ever made. Apart from him, the NBL has featured only a handful of NBA stars in the past including LaMelo Ball and Australia’s own Matthew Dellavedova. But Harrell might be the biggest of them all because he was once the best off the bench player in the league. Yes, following an underwhelming start to his career in Houston, he found a permanent home with the Clippers where he played the best basketball of his career.

Only three seasons into his stint in LA, Harrell averaged a career high 18.6 points and over seven rebounds coming off the bench. While he had been in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year award in previous seasons, he finally took home that trophy four years ago. Not only did he have a high scoring season, he also led the league in double-doubles off the bench with eleven and even had four instances where he dropped a 30-piece. More importantly, his performance impacted winning as the Clippers finished that season with a 49-23 record. And they also bagged the second seed in the West.

With his dominant performance, Harrell impressed several front offices and he eventually joined the Lakers after spending three seasons with their city rivals. Although still a productive player, he could not play as good as he did with his previous team. Then, he bounced from one team to another before eventually landing a spot on the 76ers roster. And he even averaged 5.6 points with the new team. But that’s when tragedy struck! As the Sixers were preparing for the new season last summer, reports emerged that Harrell had torn his ACL and the medial meniscus in his right knee. Then a month later, he got waived by the team. Moreover, busy recovering from the injury, he did not suit up for any team this past season.

Can playing in the NBL revive Montrezl’s career?

As Harrell begins the new chapter of his career following a major injury, Australia could be the perfect place for him to regain his groove. Maybe, it could even be a stepping stone for him to return to the NBA as he is still young and likely has a lot of good years left. Although not big names like many of his former teammates, Harrell will now share the court with some highly skilled players including Kendric Davis and Isaac Humphries.

Moreover, he could form a lethal frontcourt with Jarell Martin when he returns from injury. Just like Harrell, Martin also played in the NBA where he had a decent three-year stint with the Memphis Grizzlies. And he has dominated in Australia so far as he averaged 15.8 points and over eight rebounds two seasons ago. With both Harrell and Martin healthy, they could become unstoppable on both ends. And maybe, the former Clippers star will get a call back from the NBA in the future if any team needs a solid bench player to contend for the title.