Melbourne United sign former NBA centre Josh Boone as injury replacement
Former NBA centre Josh Boone will suit up for Melbourne United against Brisbane Bullets at Hisense Arena on Boxing Day
United announced the 32-year-old had touched down in Melbourne on Christmas Eve and the 208-centimetre centre has signed as an injury replacement for Dave Andersen and import Devin Williams who are both out with knee injuries.
Melbourne United have added to their roster to cover for the injured David Andersen.Credit:Getty Images
Boone will debut in front of a sell-out crowd for United's second open-air game at Hisense Arena, weather permitting.
In a club statement, Melbourne United said both Williams and Andersen were expected to be out between three and six weeks so Boone would be an injury replacement for them.
Melbourne United chief executive Vince Crivelli said last week the club planned to bring Williams back onto the roster when he was fit but also understood things could change if his recovery takes longer than expected.
Boone was a first-round pick at No. 23 for the then-New Jersey Nets in 2006 and he spent four years with the team before heading to China. He then made stops in several European countries, most recently Estonia.
Crivelli said Boone was an athletic big man who fought hard for the ball.
"We are thrilled to have someone of Boone's experience and calibre join us at such a pivotal time in our season," Crivelli said.
"He brings a wealth of experience, both internationally and in the NBA, and we think Melbourne fans will enjoy the hard work and effort that we know he will bring in the absence of Dave and Devin."
Melbourne (7-9) will be chasing a win over the Bullets (8-9) in their third meeting this season as the two sides both claimed their first home meetings.
Melbourne United face Brisbane Bullets at Hisense Arena on Boxing Day at 7.30pm.