The Adelaide 36ers have released Craig Randall II after rumours emerged of tension between the star American import and the club.
The most recent recipient of the NBA G League's most improved player award, Randall joined the 36ers this season as one of three international imports.
The former Long Island Net played a significant role in the 36ers' headline-grabbing pre-season defeat of the Phoenix Suns - the first time an NBL side had defeated one from the NBA - and became a fast favourite with Adelaide fans for his shooting accuracy from the three-point line.
But questions began to arise over Randall's relationship with the playing group and coach CJ Bruton amid a string of lacklustre results. In their last four games, Adelaide have only defeated the last-placed Illawarra Hawks.
Prior to the loss against South East Melbourne late last month, Randall was pictured standing separately from his teammates during the national anthem.
Randall denied suggestions of a rift when the photo was posted to social media and has since turned his Twitter account to private.
Fronting the press on Tuesday, Bruton admitted Randall had also raised objections to starting last Saturday's loss to the Perth Wildcats from the bench.
"I'm not saying that that was the only reason for this decision or where we're at, but overall, yeah, he wasn't happy with that," Bruton said.
"It's always a number of things."
Bruton said this week's FIBA break - a short hiatus that allows players to participate in the next round of World Cup qualifiers - was the best time for the club to part ways with Randall and allow him to pursue other opportunities.
"There are always pros and cons in every player and every decision that's made," Bruton said.
"I thought that where we sit and with the break and the timing of where we're at, to be able to keep the team going in the right direction, I think was the right call."
Bruton wished Randall the best and said he hoped international interest generated by his short stint in the NBL could equate to opportunities.
"My phone was ringing off the hook for him, not only here but overseas. They were calling and asking, 'What's his release like?', 'What can we do?'," Bruton said.
The 36ers have already confirmed development player Nick Marshall will be elevated to the 11-man roster as they ponder whether to go to market for a new import.
Bruton said his priority was hoisting the underachieving Sixers up from eighth spot on the ladder, not securing a high-profile import.
"Right now I need to focus on the group that we've got and get them to play the way the 36ers are supposed to play," he said.
"Clearly we've only seen glimpses of that at this point."
