Bullets boss 'Lashes' critics: circles wagons

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Brisbane Bullets CEO Mal Watts has come out in support of head coach Stu Lash amid fierce criticism of his coaching style from the likes of NBL legend Mark Worthington.

Following Brisbane's loss to Cairns on September 26, Worthington posted criticism on X saying Lash was "not a coach".

"Red flags at the Bullets with Stu Lash," wrote on Twitter on September 27.

"Worldwide search for a (Head Coach). Gifted by his mate and co-owner (Jason) Levien. Basketball Resume: Scout & Video co-ordinator (02-06); (and) Director of play personnel (09-12).

"This team deserves better. He’s not a coach. Vandy & DMac are babysitting."

Watts responded to the criticism and defended Lash on Breakfast with Corey Parker and Ian Healy on SENQ ahead of the team's home opener against the Tasmania JackJumpers on Saturday.

“I was waiting for it. I think our first loss, I think they were going to come for us," Watts said.

"I think part of that was just the way that we've gone about putting the organisation of the club together this year. It has been an unorthodox approach. I do unorthodox really well, so I think I'm very comfortable with the direction we've taken.

"I expected it to come up at some point."

Despite the Bullets suffering two losses in round two, although they had injuries to Sam McDaniel and Javon Freeman-Liberty, Watts said it was "fairly early to cast any judgement.

"From inside the tent, everything's going really well and I'm not just saying that," he said on SENQ.

"I think from what I see day to day, Stu has implemented, it is an unorthodox approach in that we've empowered our assistant coaches because we believe that they're extremely high quality as well.

"So, you know, I think there's probably optics on people watching some games, you know, probably looking and thinking that our assistant coaches are doing a lot more than they should.

"But it's just leaning into empowering them. But also it's, Stu is without a doubt the head coach in the building and he knows his stuff. But we were going to get that criticism. I knew it was coming.

"We stand by the decision and I think, you know, things are going to be on the up from this weekend.

"For anyone that's ever been inside an organisation, the assistant coaches absolutely do a huge amount of work but ultimately the wins and losses stop with the head coach.”