No one doubts Rice's playing ability, but his previous off court activities have raised concerns.

During Rice's chequered pass he was shot in the leg in an incident outside an Atlanta restaurant in 2015. Then after police arrived, they charged him with reckless conduct and marijuana possession.

In 2016, he was arrested on aggravated battery and drug possession charges in Georgia, according to the Washington Post.

In February 2017, he was arrested again on misdemeanour battery charges in Miami after police said he punched a bouncer at a strip club. He received six months of probation and community service, according to online court records.

I wouldn't have signed him either. What a fall from grace for the business side of the Breakers.

Just watched the presser. Was he stoned?

He's a short term injury replacement mid season.
He has the talent and NZ believe they have the systems in place to get the best of him while he’s here.
I’m looking forward to the next game to see what he can produce with a few practices under his belt.

I guess if it's only for a short time, they think that they can keep in check for that short a time... At least it's not like JvG bringing in that basketcase to the Kings that he knew was a problem player and thought that they could bring in a handler and it would all work out... buh-bowwww...

If Rice Jr can produce like this and keep any issues off the court in check, then it will be worth the risk...

Reading this thread brings back memories of Julius Hodge's time in the NBL

PeterJohn, you don't have to stray that far. Corey Webster failed a drug test and was separately found guilty of assault. Feisty backcourt!

@ Wookiee; you mean Tyler? That's who Rice Jr reminds me of. I mean, benefit of the doubt and all that, but much like Tyler it sounds like Rice Jr would still be in the NBA if not for all the on and off-court drama.

Rice looked good and controlled when he was on the court even copping the fouls. I did notice a couple of times at timeouts that he wasn't even anywhere near the team huddle. It's prob another paycheck for him and to put on a show for his next contract.

Will he get a visa to enter Australia?

Reality - that's a really good question. Good thinking. In fact, it's debateable whether he should have even been let into NZ.

Tyler the Creator got banned from entering NZ in 2014 for safety reasons because of the lyrics of his songs! It incited violence apparently.

Sounds like one for Peter Dutton!

@AngusH: Yup, Tyler, that's the one... So much talent wrapped up in a giant toolbag...

His one game was better than anything Boucher ever did. LMFAO.....

Was Barlow getting physical later in the game to try to instigate a reaction from Rice? Or just trying to draw Rice's 5th foul? This occurred just before Rice fouled out.

I wonder if teams will test his in-game temperament given his past behavioural issues off the court. Are there any reports of in-game incidents involving Rice?

"His one game was better than anything Boucher ever did. LMFAO....."

His game was better than winning four titles?

Good point re visa, don't know about NZ. But in Australia, plenty of people with far less shady histories than Rice Junior have been denied entry on "character" grounds

"Common now, having a criminal conviction is a prerequisite for getting into Australia."

It used to be compulsory to have a criminal conviction, unless you worked for the government.

I've always hated the Breakers but Rice has got me really excited to see them, I have never enjoyed watching Breakers basketball more than this season and Delaney has hardly been sighted... can't wait until Breakers come to Perth next home game...

I hope all his off court issues are behind him and he can let his game do the talking.

Would the minders of RJ Hampton be happy with Rice hanging around or is it good that he isn't in such a bubble?

On another note, remember when there were rumours that an NBL club would sign Gilbert Arenas... shame that didn't happen.