The South East Melbourne Phoenix are reportedly getting closer to re-signing John Brown III, a pivotal player who made a significant impact during the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season. Brown, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season, played a crucial role in leading the Phoenix to the playoffs. According to NBL champion Pete Hooley on The Marketplace podcast, there is a growing sense of optimism regarding Brown's return to the Phoenix. He emphasized the importance of filling the power forward position, which has been a focal point for the team. Hooley noted that if Brown remains available, negotiations could continue, given the mutual interest between the player and the club. ESPN analyst Olgun Uluc highlighted the substantial impact Brown would have on the team’s defense, stating that his defensive prowess creates net points that surpass those of typical 20-point scorers. Currently, the Phoenix have several players under contract for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season, including Nathan Sobey and Angus Glover, but the addition of Brown would be a game-changer for the squad.