Felix for sure.

United produced 1.5 good games (Sydney at home and first half @ Illawarra) with Prather there. I just don't think Prather can do a lot of what Felix can do, plus what Felix does is the one-percenters, the glue stuff.

Big mistake by United

Seems that way. Prather was speaking as though it's an inevitability that he'll be back. Doubt communication inside the club could be so poor that the players didn't know where they stood before being interviewed on national TV

Plus, all the 'reports' say that Prather will be back

Prather is by far the better player, unfortunatley as others have said he doesnt fit as well as felix because he needs his touches.

Under the injury replacement rules if Prather is fit to return to play and cleared by doctors he has to play. Felix can come back in but only if Prather is reinjured

Sounds like consensus is that Felix is better fit with United (see my comments in game thread).

Will be interesting to see what happens.

"Prather's rehab was officially completed at 3Q time of that game. Props to Felix for playing to the rules by the letter."

Best comment in the thread.

If United were “playing to the rules by the letter” they could have subbed Prather in for the final quarter, but didn't.

Does this mean United don’t want either player now. Maybe they’ll find a way to introduce a new gun import to guarantee a championship.

What's going to happen is Wesley is going to get fewer touches, and he is United's most efficient offensive player.

Prather looks like he's in it to win it, rather than just build his name, but if he's selfish then United will fall apart. Needs to focus his energy on defence and rebounding, plus work on the jumpshot (which is a worry considering the elbow)

But I don't think he's the calibre of Felix defensively

"Prather's rehab was officially completed at 3Q time of that game. Props to Felix for playing to the rules by the letter."

Best comment in the thread.

If United were "playing to the rules by the letter" they could have subbed Prather in for the final quarter, but didn't.

What do we mean by 'playing to the rules by the letter'?

Rule 303
Catch 22
Subsection C

I think original reference was to "the letter of the law" concept.

I think Melb Utd were just starting to play well when Prather got injured - Prather is a proven finals performer - I'd be happy to have him back

Looks pretty certain the Prather will play. As a Melbourne supporter I'm not sure how I feel about it. Prather is a better player but their season turned around the moment Felix arrived. Went from 5th place to comfortably 1st. Just concerned his return will adversely affect the on-court cohesion.

Agree with the no-win scenario... If United do what every other team has done nit eh past and do the "he's not coming back as he's not 100%" path as Felix is obviously the better fit, they're cheaters... If they do what would be seen as the right thing and bring Prather back because he IS fit, and their chemistry goes to kaka, then stupid old Unitards did it to themselves again...

At least they have their core group signed up for next season and they can build around their most important players ... *cough*

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/melbourne-united-facing-tough-import-decision-on-eve-of-finals-20180206-p4yzhy.html

The way Vickerman is talking its like its his choice with the NBL rules regarding injury replacements as a secondary concern.

This pretty much confirms that the organisation will make the call not the relevant medical physicians.

Vickerman floated a brilliant idea there- start Moller, bring Prather off the bench.

It's all about team balance.

2nd unit- Prather and Adnam high usage- Barlow, Majok, Andersen and Hooley all relatively low usage.

This will keep the balance on a very effective starting group, and improve the bench. Prather could be like a Ramone Moore- could score 12 or 14 points in 16 or 17 minutes and be the go to guy whilst on court, with Moller playing the majority of the time alongside Casper, CG and Wesley.

That's a blueprint for success.

And so is keeping Felix, given recent results.