Sydney Kings coach Andrew Gaze is set to stick with his starting line-up against NBL bogey side Adelaide on Saturday despite import David Wear's failure to fire.
Gaze has defended Wear, saying he won't be rushing to judgment after the former NBA forward's lacklustre showing in their loss to Melbourne United last Monday, which follows a quiet start to the season.
Support: Andrew Gaze isn't ready to give up on import David Wear just yet.Credit:AAP
Wear has averaged just seven points and shot at 37 per cent during the Kings' 3-3 start, with a best offensive output of 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting against the Breakers on the road in round two. Against Melbourne, he had just six points in less than 14 minutes on court.
Gaze said Wear had been outstanding in several of the Kings' opening games and didn't expect to start him from the bench despite having Daniel Kickert at his disposal.
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"Dave's been exceptional in his attitude and and his professionalism and the way he goes about it," Gaze said.
"He's been terrific and sometimes you've got to be careful about making judgments when you don't feel like the players are getting the right opportunities and we're not putting them in the right spots. And as such form can vary.
"Dave's had a couple of outstanding games, a couple of down games, along with all of the guys."
The Kings are under scrutiny following their 77-70 loss to Melbourne despite sitting in fourth spot and having won their previous three games prior to that match.
Yet they face a mental battle to turn it around against Adelaide, who have won their past 11 clashes against the Kings.
Gaze said he wasn't concerned by history or allowing Adelaide to get into their heads.
"When the anxiety isn't high and we're sharing the ball around, it's getting through hands, it's great," Gaze said. "For a lot of our season we're not getting the ball to the people in the right spots.
"It's not one thing you look at and you don't need a quantum leap in order to improve, it's just subtleties and decision-making and I think we're heading in the right direction."
Gaze has a tough task ahead of him as the Kings try to live up to the pre-season hype.Credit:AAP
Gaze said Brad Newley would line-up against the 36ers despite the veteran Boomers guard requiring five stitches after a head clash with development player Liam Thomas at training on Thursday.
Gaze said Newley was in good spirits and there were no concerns about concussion.
AAP
