Ryukyu Golden Kings forward David Palmer (dislocated left shoulder) and All-Star big man Jeff Newton (torn meniscus on left knee) sustained injuries against the Kyoto Hannaryz earlier this week, the team announced on Friday. It's unknown how long they will be sidelined.
Both players have been among the league's elite stars, dating back to the 2005-06 season when they played for the Osaka Evessa. Palmer is averaging a team-best 14.4 points per game. Newton, with four bj-league championships on his resume, is best known for his 50-point outburst in the playoff semifinals in 2009.
Also Friday, Nick DeWitz, a versatile 200-cm forward who has previously suited up for the former Sendai 89ers and Osaka, has reached a deal to play for the Niigata Albirex BB for the remainder of the season.