The South East Melbourne Phoenix have reportedly parted ways with import guard Skylar Mays, marking the Phoenix's first major roster change of the NBL27 season.
According to reports, the Melbourne-based club decided to part ways with the American guard after their disappointing start to the season.
The decision comes after Phoenix head coach Josh King publicly called on Mays to step up and improve his game after the club's 110-99 loss to the Sydney Kings on Sunday.
"(I just want to see) him playing better, to see him playing better and contributing to winning," King said, speaking to ESPN.
"It doesn't necessarily have to be points, and it's not just with him, it's with a lot of different guys too, and he's the easy guy to pick on, but we need more better efforts from multiple guys.
"I think everybody knows that everybody is replaceable, including myself. This is professional sports, so it's a performance-based business that we're in at the end of the day.
"I mean, he's a capable basketball player and we just need him to play better."
Mays certainly struggled to make an impact against the Kings, grabbing just two rebounds and providing one assist while on the court for 10 minutes.
The loss was a concerning one, as the Melbourne side established a 21-point advantage before the Kings found their way back into the contest.
The 29-year-old's departure reflects his role in the recent weeks of the season. Mays had initially been given a position in the team's starting rotation, but recently had been struggling to even get on the court.
Mays started his campaign with the Phoenix averaging 15 points and 5.3 assists from 26.6 minutes per game.
However, after losing his starting position, Mays performance dropped significantly, averaging just six points and less than two assists across his final four games.
Mays' departure leaves the Melbourne side with an important roster decision as the team struggles to climb the NBL27 ladder.
The Phoenix sit eighth with a 4-7 record, and the club is now eager to find Mays' replacement.
The Phoenix will face the Illawarra Hawks in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
