This week Casper Ware had a try-out with the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers and Melbourne signed up and coming Boomer combo guard Mitch McCarron to a three-year deal but United coach Dean Vickerman says the team still plans on Ware being a part of the team this season.
Disclaimer: The Club’s intentions of bringing back last seasons imports (including Casper Ware) are still very much in motion. ?
Stay tuned for the next off-season team update with Head Coach Dean Vickerman coming soon.
— Melbourne United (@MelbUnitedHQ) June 8, 2018
It was made clear on the team’s Twitter account that United are hoping to re-sign all three of their imports from last season with Vickerman clarifying the fact that even though the team plans on McCarron playing some point guard this season, adding a combo guard like Casper to the team can only help McCarron develop his skills at that spot.
“We believe if we were able to bring the quality of a Casper Ware back that would only help Mitch’s development in that area for another season,” Vickerman told the Herald Sun.
The Portland Trailblazers held a mini-camp this week to assess veteran free agents and invited Ware among other NBA prospects KJ McDaniels, Kadeem Jack, Isaiah Cousins, Kyle Randall to try-out with the team.
All invited players were combo guards in the 6’3”-6’6” range and it’s believed Casper came away having only increased his chances of reaching the NBA this year.
After two impressive seasons in the NBL averaging 19 points and 5 assists in 53 games and putting up 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in a one point lUnited loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA pre-season the 178 cm dynamo is now on the radars of multiple NBA teams.
Since leading Melbourne to their first NBL championship since re-branding to United, Ware has been working out from his LA home with the sole focus of returning to the NBA.
“I’ve played nine games in the NBA. I’ll be at peace if I never add to that, because I’ll know I gave it my best shot. But the dream’s not dead” Ware said via the PlayersVoice.
Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook poses with Casper Ware Snr and Junior after the Melbourne United NBLxNBA pre-season game.
It’s likely if he is unsuccessful in realising his NBA dream however, the 28 year old Ware will be back in a United jersey, noting earlier in the year that if the NBA doesn’t come calling he is happy to take the advice from his father, Casper Ware Snr.
“My father says they love you in Melbourne, make sure you play hard for them and do everything you can for them to win a championship. Worry about the NBA when it’s time to worry about it. So that’s what I’m doing” said Casper.
Ware played college ball at Long Beach State before signing a 10-day contract for Philadelphia in 2014 where he played nine games. He also spent preseason with the Washington Wizards in 2016 before being waived and signing with Melbourne in 2016.
“Those 10-day contracts are a tough mental test. You can’t think about it like, It’s just 10 days and that’ll probably be it’ or that’s what’ll happen. You’ve got to take it one day at a time and make the best of every opportunity you get” said Ware.
Ware was named to the league’s All-NBL first team in both seasons he played and currently sits second in career assists per game among active NBL players (behind Sydney’s Jerome Randle).
Ware is currently set to play in “The Basketball Tournament” which is a 5-on-5, winner take all tournament with a grand prize of $2 million prior.
Melbourne currently have eight players signed to the team’s full-time roster. Chris Goulding, Craig Moller, Peter Hooley, Tohi Smith-Milner, Daniel Trist, David Barlow, Alex Pledger and Mitch McCarron.
Three spots remain for Ware, Josh Boone and potentially Casey Prather, who is also being pursued by the Perth Wildcats and hoping to sign with an NBA team this year.
Check out NBL Free Agent Tracker to keep up to date with all of the NBL roster movements during the off-season.