New Zealand have brought in NBL veteran John Rillie and sacked American import Awvee Storey in an effort to keep their title hopes on track.

Having started the season as clear championship favourites, the Breakers have lost their last two games to slip to fifth with a 4-5 record, including an upset home defeat to the Gold Coast.

That was New Zealand's first home loss, while they are also a dismal 0-4 on the road, so the club decided to quickly make some changes.

Storey came to the NBL with a decent reputation following stints in the NBA with Milwaukee, Washington and New Jersey and a college career at Arizona State.

But averages of 7.8 points and 5.1 boards after nine games were well below expectations and the call was made to release the 198cm forward.

"Awvee has acted like the true professional he is throughout his time with us, working hard on and off court," Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis said.

"But from time to time, you are faced with making tough calls and this was one of them, things simply weren't working out and we needed to make a change."

The Breakers had already decided to let Storey go before calling in Rillie, 38, but the American's departure is almost certain to mean the former Boomer will be used as more than just an extra body at training.

One of the best shooters in NBL history, Rillie has kept in shape since being released by Townsville at the end of last season and will help the undermanned Breakers who are still missing Kirk Penney (back).

"John brings a great deal of experience and since being let go by Townsville has stayed physically fit and ready to step back on court should he be required," Breakers general manager Richard Clarke said.

"His role in the side is yet to be determined but ... we are fortunate that at such short notice a player of his ability and experience was available."

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Tigers, another club struggling to live up to pre-season expectations, have given their season a significant boost after signing former Adelaide 36er Julius Hodge.

Hodge is a flashy all-around player who should instantly improve the Tigers, who currently prop up the league with a 3-6 record.

And in WNBL news, young Canberra centre Marianna Tolo has been named player of the week after breaking one of Lauren Jackson's long-standing league records.

The 20-year-old tallied a phenomenal 13 blocked shots, plus 21 points and 10 boards, to break Jackson's nine-year-old record of 11 blocks.