25 Sep 2017

Former Breaker signs with Nets

3:45 pm on 25 September 2017

Former New Zealand Breakers forward Akil Mitchell has been signed by the Brooklyn Nets for the 2017-18 NBA season.

Akil Mitchell says he feels "blest" despite suffering a serious eye injury.

Akil Mitchell says he feels "blest" despite suffering a serious eye injury. Photo: Photosport

Mitchell played 25 games for the Breakers last season but his time at the club was cut short when he suffered a freak accident against the Cairns Taipans which caused his eyeball do dislodge itself from the eye socket.

The 25-year-old returned to the United States for treatment, brining an end to his time in Auckland.

Mitchell will now team up with New Zealander - Sean Marks, the general manager of the Nets.

The Nets finished last in the NBA's Eastern Conference standings last season but are making steady gains in the off season under Marks' guidance.

Mitchell averages 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists during his time at the Breakers and made .556 shots from the field.

-RNZ