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Former NBA star Josh Childress has rejected much more lucrative overtures from around the globe to re-sign with the Sydney Kings for 2015-16.
Childress led the league in averages for points, blocks and rebounds and was in the top five in assists in his maiden campaign with the Kings in 2014-15.
He made the All-NBL first team and was named the club’s season MVP.
Childress, 32, was on course to win the league MVP award before a pectoral injury brought a premature end to his season.
He’s revealed he was courted by clubs in other countries but has opted to return to Sydney because of the city, the people and the Kings organisation.
“I could have possibly tried Summer League and training camp in the NBA but China and Europe were the most lucrative offers on the table,” Childress told AAP on Thursday.
“You want to get paid what you feel like you’re worth and be valued in that regard but money isn’t everything.
“I’ve signed a few nice contracts (in the past) and it’s not all about the money for me.
“It’s about where I feel most comfortable, where I enjoy living, the people I’m around. I just didn’t see that in all the other places.”
The Kings have already added two former Boomers to their roster in centre Julian Khazzouh and point guard Steven Markovic, plus former Australian Emus under 19 forward Jeromie Hill.
Former captain Ben Madgen, who is seeking an overseas opportunity, is their only major loss.
“I’m really excited about our additions. We’re getting experience and that’s going to help with a lot of things throughout the year,” Kings’ coach Damian Cotter told AAP.
“Julian (Khazzouh) and Steve (Markovic) have a skill set that’s going to take pressure off `Chill.’
“The fun about coaching Josh is that’s he’s so selfless and willing to play different positions and we’re trying to set a team up that can be versatile.”
“We’ve got to come into pre-season with a mindset to work hard defensively and if we do that, we’ll have a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming season.”
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