Rucker, who claimed the league MVP with the Bullets in his first NBL season in 1990 before finishing his career in the Queensland capital in 2006, tweeted on Thursday that the Bullets were a "disgrace from the top down" and that "wholesale changes" were required.

Speaking after Brisbane's dismal season-ending 105-82 loss to the Adelaide 36ers, Lemanis said Rucker hadn't been at the club since its NBL re-entry two seasons ago and was making comments without understanding the inner sanctum's workings.

"I didn't know Derek said that and he's entitled to his opinion but he hasn't been near the club since we've been back in the last two years," Lemanis said.

"If you're not involved on the inside and understanding what we're trying to do, then it's kind of hard for you to comment without the knowledge."

After steering the Bullets to their second successive wooden spoon, Lemanis knew this would not be an easy gig.

"The reality is we're a new team," he said. "Yes, the Bullets organisation has a legacy but seven years out (of the league) meant we're a new team, which presents its challenges.

"The reality shows that any new team entering the league, the stats show they haven't finished above the bottom two.

"It should be a battle and a challenge and it's certainly been that."

Australian Associated Press