Montrezl Harrell opened up about his time playing in Australia during Episode 4 of Scoop B Selects, sharing how the experience reignited his passion for basketball. The eight-year NBA veteran described the slower pace and structured play overseas as key to sharpening his awareness on the court.
Harrell said the move came after a difficult period with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he pushed himself to extremes and suffered an ACL and meniscus injury. “It was a place where I would be able to get back to playing basketball again, enjoying it and being around people that love being in the gym,” he explained to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
While in Australia, Harrell averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game with the Adelaide 36ers, earning All-NBL Second Team honors. His physicality and scoring efficiency quickly made him a central figure in Adelaide’s frontcourt.
The forward emphasized how the international game helped him refine his reads and on-court decision-making. “The slower pace and structure of the game over there definitely helped me fine-tune my awareness,” he said.
Harrell also discussed his mindset following his ACL recovery, noting his commitment to pushing through rehabilitation. “Most people aren’t out walking and running until nine months,” he said, “I was cleared in six or seven months because I worked my tail off every day.”
Off the court, Harrell reflected on his identity as a player. He described his style as energetic and aggressive around the rim, while constantly working on expanding his game. “I know who I am and I accepted who I am and I’m blessed to be who I am,” he said.
Recently, Harrell’s tenure with Adelaide appears to be ending amid a doping suspension linked to his offseason play in China. The 36ers and Harrell are reportedly moving toward a split, complicating his international career.
The forward took to social media to clarify his stance, writing, “I know damn well I had zero of anything like that in me so again doping???” Despite the uncertainty, his time in Australia clearly had a profound impact on his love for the game.
Harrell’s future remains unresolved, but his performances overseas demonstrated his ability to dominate physically while mentoring younger teammates.
