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Melbourne United could look to Hakim Warrick as injury replacement
Melbourne United will put out a Christmas SOS for an injury replacement player with former star Hakim Warrick on their shortlist.
The NBL club confirmed on Wednesday night that import centre Devin Williams will be out for four to six weeks with a grade two medial ligament strain.
Hakim Warrick is touted as a possible injury replacement for injured United player Devin Williams.Credit:Mick Connolly
Melbourne does not want to replace Williams completely but instead bring in an import as an injury replacement until he is fit again.
Williams joins fellow big man David Andersen (knee) on Melbourne's injury list and their absence comes at a time of season when United has a heavy load of games.
Melbourne host Brisbane Bullets at Hisense Arena on Boxing Day night, Cairns Taipans at Hisense Arena on December 29 plus six games in January and two games in the first week of February.
As a result, the replacement player could end up playing in 10 games or more as Melbourne chases a finals place.
Warrick, a long time NBA power forward, impressed with Melbourne last season and he doesn't appear to have a club at present, which could see United test his availability.
Melbourne United chief executive Vince Crivelli said all options were on the table and he wanted to have an import in uniform for Boxing Day.
"We are looking at all scenarios but an import is most likely," Crivelli said on Wednesday night.
"All options are being considered and Hakim is one of them. We have some great memories with him and he was on a great team last year so yes he is in the mix but there are so many factors that come into play when you want a guy for a short term.
"We want to get the right guy as quickly as we can, we are hopeful we can get someone in time [for Boxing Day] but won't know for the next 24 to 48 hours."
Development forward Tohi Smith-Milner will come on to United's main roster in the short term.
Melbourne will look for someone cut from the NBA, the NBA D League or Europe but there isn't believed to be many players available at present.
The problem with bringing in an Australian player is there are no other local leagues playing so it would be tough to find someone in game shape unless they have been training with an NBL club.
Crivelli said Williams wouldn't be replaced as an import unless something changed during his rehabilitation so the club remains committed to keeping him.
Crivelli made it clear Melbourne United would not give up on their season despite missing two big men for the most crucial run of their campaign.
"No one is giving up on this season, not our players, our coaches or our supporters," Crivelli said.
"We are not giving up what we have worked so hard on – we will find a guy who can help us and add to what we have built here and contribute to our run towards the finals."
Melbourne United have fewer than 400 tickets left for the Boxing Day game at Hisense Arena at 7.30pm.