Another week, another re-signing. The Tasmania JackJumpers have announced that Will Magnay has signed on for two more years.
The big man showed glimpses of his huge potential in the first half of the season, averaging 7.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2 blocks in NBL22. But his season was cut short after 11 games following a knee injury
Embed from Getty ImagesMagnay initially joined the JackJumpers for one season, with Scott Roth openly discussing his desire for Tasmania to be the catalyst for Magnay to improve his game, return to regular basketball and then look to take his game overseas. His initial signing followed a big 20/21 season which saw Magnay signed by the New Orleans Pelicans. In a COVID hit NBA season, Magnay played the majority of his time in the NBA G league before ultimately being cut from a roster already heavy on big men.
Despite a slow start with the JackJumpers, Magnay was starting to show some great form before the knee injury cut short his season.
His decision to sign for two years and forgo free agency is a huge win for the JackJumpers organisation. This follow a similar decision by Matt Kenyon to re-sign last week. Kenyon’s improvement from from bench guard to starter would of made him a attractive free agent option.
For Magnay, Tasmania is his third team in three NBL seasons. Although his debut year in Tassie didn’t quite go according to plan, another two years will ultimately give the 23-year old the time, rehabbing and development he needs to aim for greater things.
Free agency
With Magnay and Kenyon re-signing this takes the roster to eight players for NBL 2022/23. This leaves limited options to update the roster heading into next season. But it does allow the JackJumpers to head into free agency with a clear picture of what they need. This recruitment period will be a much easier process for the JackJumpers, who were scouting players ultimately an unknown team.
Their lack of depth at the Power Forward and Centre positions were exposed during their debut season with Magnay injured. This no doubt will be the focal point of the off-season recruiting.
The NBL free agency starts not long after the NBL grand final series. Current free agents who could address the PF/C issues include Jo Lual-Acuil, Duop Reath, Matt Hodgson, Xavier Cooks, Nate Jawai and Jarred Bairstow. This list no doubt will shorten in the coming weeks as players re-sign, but there will be several players out of interest to the JackJumpers.
Discussions with import players will also be happening at the same time, with some tough decisions to be made by the JackJumpers.
