The Sydney Kings have all but admitted to giving up on making the NBL play-offs, releasing import centre Jeremy Tyler two months after he arrived.
American Tyler, 26, has averaged a healthy 14 points and six rebounds in his 10 games but the last-placed club has opted to place more focus on developing its young frontcourt.
"At this time we are keen to look closely at some of the young big men both on our roster and on the edge of it," Kings managing director Jeff Van Groningen said.
Tyler was recruited in November in the same week as star guard and fellow US import Jerome Randle as the Kings moved to resurrect their season.
But the team's five victories in 2017-18 means they are six wins off fourth-placed Adelaide with eight games remaining.
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Van Groningen said the remainder of the season would be used as an audition for future starting centre prospects.
"We believe Isaac Humphries is an exciting player and possesses attributes that, combined with hard work, could see him achieve great heights down the line, while Dane Pineau's development this season has been pleasing," he said.
"We have youngsters Deng Acouth and Darcy Malone as part of our development player list and we anticipate they'll get a chance to experience being part of the squad at some stage over the remaining eight games.
"I can't wait to see who stands up."
