The Brisbane Bullets have confirmed the mutual release of American import Javon Freeman-Liberty, with the club citing both injury and personal wellbeing as key factors behind the decision.
In a statement, the Bullets revealed that Freeman-Liberty sustained a hamstring injury that has ruled him out indefinitely, while also noting the 25-year-old’s need to focus on his mental health during recovery.
Freeman-Liberty made an immediate impact during his short time with Brisbane, averaging 33.4 minutes, 19.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists as well as shooting 46.9 per cent from the field in his two appearances.
Watch live coverage of NBL 2025-26 season with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Javon Freeman-Liberty of the Bullets.Source: Getty Images
His departure will leave a significant, short-term, void in the Bullets’ offensive production.
“The wellbeing of our players always comes first and we are fully supportive of this outcome,” Bullets CEO Mal Watts said.
“We are grateful for Javon’s contribution to the club and wish him all the best.”
Head coach Stu Lash echoed those sentiments, praising Freeman-Liberty’s professionalism during the process of his release.
“We are appreciative of how open the communication has been, and we will continue to support him as he takes this time for himself,” Lash said.
“While we are sad to see him go, this timing allows us to move decisively on improving our roster.”
Signs of a potential early departure had been looming.
Freeman-Liberty has previously struggled with homesickness – a factor that ended his short stint with Manisa Basket in Turkey’s BSL last season, where he played just two games before returning home.
When rumours of a possible exit began circulating online last month, Freeman-Liberty publicly addressed the speculation, insisting his focus remained with the Bullets.
“I’ve heard the talk, but I came to Brisbane to hoop, to win games with my teammates, and that’s exactly where my focus is,” he said.
READ MORE BASKETBALL
NBL POWER RANKINGS: Sudden fear for No.1 seed; MVP fancy leads riser as bottom side on brink
AUSSIES IN THE NBA: $150m reasons for breakout star to get better; Bulls’ big Giddey problem
CASUALTY WARD: Bullets suffer another blow; United legend prepares for his season debut
DAILY: US star’s stunning record night; Kings coach issues blunt ‘gloves off’ challenge
Freeman-Liberty’s sister Jamyla had also posted on social media claiming the rumours were untrue.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Brisbane. The team is already without their best defender Sam McDaniel (ankle) and veteran guard Mitch Norton (knee), and now their star import joins the growing list of unavailable players.
The Bullets face the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday in what looms as a must-win clash, as they look to avoid slipping to 1–4 to start the season.
The club have already begun the search for a replacement import, with roster updates expected to be announced in the coming days.