NBL26: Phoenix Add Sharpshooter Tanner Krebs on Two-Year Contract

Phoenix sign former United forward Tanner Krebs to two-year deal

The move reunites Krebs with crosstown rivals Phoenix, who finished two wins ahead of United last season.

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman is also expected to depart for Japan following the playoff exit...

South East Melbourne Phoenix have signed former Melbourne United forward Tanner Krebs to a two-year contract.

The 30-year-old small forward entered free agency after wrapping up his third season with United, his busiest and most productive yet. 

Krebs logged just under 18 minutes a game in NBL26 under Dean Vickerman, who is also expected to depart United for a job in Japan. He finished the season averaging 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. 

United started strong at 10-2 and led the standings early, but faded late and were knocked out of the playoffs by Perth Wildcats in a one-game knockout.

South East Melbourne Phoenix announced Krebs’ signing Tuesday morning. The Phoenix finished two wins above United in the standings before falling to runners-up Adelaide 36ers in a best-of-three semi-final series.

“We feel Tanner is a great fit for what the Phoenix is setting out to achieve in this free agency period. His length, and obviously his shooting ability will fit in with our style of play,” said Phoenix GM Simon Mitchell.

“He’s an elite shooter, in the prime of his career who will fit in seamlessly with the returning Phoenix players.”

Krebs bolsters a Phoenix roster that took more threes than any other team last season. He shot just under 40% from deep in NBL26, the 7th-best mark among players with 20+ games.

He’s also shown durability, appearing in 72 games over the past two seasons. Only Adelaide’s Flynn Cameron played more, thanks to the 36ers’ longer playoff run in NBL26.