New Zealand have made a notable addition to their roster for the upcoming NBA preseason games, enlisting the towering presence of 7’6″ (2.29m) center Tacko Fall as a guest player. Fall will suit up for the Breakers in three NBLxNBA matchups in early October, where they will face off against the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Breakers’ tour will kick off against the Jazz on October 5, followed by the 76ers on October 8, and conclude with the Thunder on October 11. These games will be the Breakers’ sixth, seventh, and eighth appearances in the NBLxNBA series, providing a unique platform to test their skills against top NBA competition.
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Fall moved to the United States as a teenager and played college basketball at the University of Central Florida. He played three seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, where he became a fan favourite known for his defensive prowess and commanding presence in the paint. Over 37 NBA games, the 28-year-old Fall averaged 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. His most recent professional experience was with Piratas de Quebradillas in Puerto Rico, highlighting his versatility and international basketball credentials.
During his tenure with the Celtics, Fall’s time on the court was often met with enthusiastic cheers, as fans eagerly anticipated his appearances. After his NBA stint, he continued to develop his game in China and Puerto Rico, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the global basketball community.
The Breakers have no plans to sign Fall beyond these preseason games, but his inclusion is expected to give the team a considerable boost on both ends of the court.
“Tacko is a game-changer on the defensive end, and his experience in the NBA will be invaluable to us as we prepare to take on the challenge of competing against some of the best teams in the world.” Breakers owner Matt Walsh said upon inking the giant to the three-game deal.
The Breakers kicked off their season with a victory over the Brisbane Bullets at the inaugural HoopsFest in Perth last weekend. As they prepare to take on the NBA’s elite, they will look to build on this momentum, with a single Round 2 game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday before heading to the U.S.
With Fall donning the Breakers’ singlet for their NBA tour, he is set to become the tallest player to ever represent the Auckland-based club. His impact on the court and his popularity off it will undoubtedly draw attention and excitement as the Breakers take on the challenge of competing against some of the most formidable teams in the NBA.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
