The 2020 Sal's NBL Showdown Trade Window came and went without any swaps between teams. The three-day window provided teams and players with an opportunity to explore possible moves, however it seems all teams were happy with their selections following last Thursday night's historic player draft.
"We didn't expect to see a trade, but the window was there to provide an opportunity just in case," said League General Manager Justin Nelson.
The weekend wasn't without movement though with the Jets forced into one change late on Sunday night due to Tom Power being unavailable to take his place for the Palmerston North based team.
"Despite originally being given the all-clear by his college to play in the Showdown, Tom has since been informed by his college that he will be held out of competition," said Nelson.
Under the rules in place for the Sal's NBL Showdown the Jets can replace Power with any undrafted player, or with a like-for-like player who didn't register for the draft.
Power was drafted in the 11th round.
"The Jets have decided to go to the pool of undrafted players to replace Tom Power and have officially selected Nelson Kirksey."
Kirksey is currently in Australia awaiting clearance to travel to New Zealand, where his partner lives. Should he gain clearance to travel he will need to undertake two weeks of mandatory quarantine and will therefore miss the start of the season.
Players must participate in at least four of a team's 14 home and away games to qualify for finals.
"Kirksey is a proven player, it is a very astute move by the Jets, however they know there is no guarantee he will be able to get into the country in time to participate in the Showdown, so it is a bit of a gamble," said Nelson.
"But, under the rules he is available as an undrafted player and should he arrive in time to play and qualify for the finals I have no doubt the Jets will be very happy with the gamble they are taking."
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