The season has not even started for the New Zealand Breakers and they are already dealing with injury concerns, with new import Josiah-Jordan James ruled out for several weeks after going down last week in a pre-season match.

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The Breakers have confirmed the American import suffered a torn left hamstring during their pre-season win over United, with scans confirming the injury will keep him out of Sunday’s NBL27 season opener at Spark Arena and sidelined for the foreseeable future.

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James pulled up with the injury in the opening stages of the game and now faces several weeks on the sidelines, leaving the Breakers without one of their new imports just days out from the beginning of their season.

Breakers President of Basketball Dillon Boucher confirmed the news today.

“Unfortunately, the scan and reports confirm that JJ will be out of action for some weeks. Our first thoughts are with him; no player wants to be injured but this is especially the case when you have travelled so far to a new club and playing in a new league.

“Our priority right now is looking after JJ, he is in great hands with our medical and performance staff, they will be doing all they can to have him on the road to recovery and full fitness.” Boucher said.

Josiah-Jordan James of the Breakers drives at the basket during the 2026 NBL Blitz match between Tasmania JackJumpers and New Zealand Breakers at Red Energy Arena on September 06, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images

Prior to his injury, James had been playing solid basketball as he continued building towards his NBL debut, with the Blitz providing flashes of his defensive capabilities.

Across two games, James averaged 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 43% from the field.

With three games across the opening six days of the season, the Breakers are already making moves to bring in an Injury Replacement Player, with an announcement expected in the coming days.

Josiah-Jordan James of the Breakers takes possession of the ball during the 2026 NBL Blitz match between New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings at Red Energy Arena on September 04, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images

Sources told Fox Sports Australia that Mojave King has signed with the club as a replacement player. King has played 95 NBL games and most recently suited up for the Cairns Taipans last season.

King averaged 11.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field for Cairns and would bring plenty of NBL experience to a Breakers roster suddenly dealing with injury concerns.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 11: Mojave King of the Breakers handles the ball during the 2024 NBL Blitz match between New Zealand Breakers and Adelaide 36ers at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on September 11, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The 24-year-old is also no stranger to the Breakers, having previously played for the club during the 2024-25 season. A potential return would mark his fifth season in the NBL.

King is coming off an off-season stint with Mykonos in Greece, while also representing New Zealand during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

His arrival will provide a timely boost for the Breakers, who have not only lost an import in James, but could also be without new signing Kouat Noi.

Kouat Noi of the Breakers passes the ball during the 2026 NBL Blitz match between Tasmania JackJumpers and New Zealand Breakers at Red Energy Arena on September 06, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images

Sources have confirmed to Fox Sports Australia that the former Sydney Kings champion is dealing with an injury sustained during the off-season, adding another concern ahead of the club’s season opener.

However, Noi successfully got through training today, with the club confirming he will be assessed prior to the game before a final decision is made on whether the sharpshooter will suit up this weekend.

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Noi has played just four minutes in the pre-season where he scored 8 points before sitting out the rest of the match against Tasmania JackJumpers at the NBL Blitz in Bendigo.

Josiah-Jordan James (Hamstring) and Kouat Noi (Knee) of the New Zealand Breakers.Source: Getty Images

Regardless of the injury setbacks, King’s potential return could provide a spark for a club that has undergone a major facelift heading into NBL27, with legendary head coach Gordon Herbert preparing for his first season in charge and looking to guide the Breakers back into the top six.