The Sydney Kings have been synonymous with bringing in NBA talent over the last few years.
Firstly, Sam Young graced the Harbour city, before veteran Josh Childress and draft pick Marcus Thornton played out last year in the purple and gold. Al Harrington even managed a stint while friend Childress was recovering from injury.
Yesterday, the most successful player to ever step foot in the NBL was introduced to the public, Josh Powell.
The two-time NBA champion brings eight years of NBA experience and a positive mindset to a side looking to bounce back from their first round loss to Brisbane.
“My experience and knowledge of the game. Defensively I can bring energy, rebounding and toughness.”
He is no stranger to success, winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and a Euroleague title with Olympiacos.
The time he spent at the Lakers was memorable for more than just the rings however.
“It was an amazing two years and I learned a lot as a basketball player and I grew as a man.
“Those two years I spent with Kobe Bryant, under Phil Jackson, were amazing and I learned a lot from them.”
Having to adjust to different styles and different ways of plying the game is something that Powell has become accustomed to, with stints in Russia, Italy, China, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Greece, Switzerland.
“I just left Puerto Rico and China where I had more of a scoring demand as well as rebounding and defending, but I’ve been in other places like Argentina where it wasn’t so much, and I had to adjust to that.”
Rebounding in particular is something that Sydney will value from their third import. They were hammered in that department against Brisbane, with the visitors notching 14 more rebounds.
He averaged 27.5 points and 17.5 rebounds per game in 30 games for Chinese club Luoyang earlier this year, however he is keen to put the team first and do the job that coach Andrew Gaze asks of him.
“The game is all about adjustments. I’m here to be a part of something special, not to cause any problems or be a headache.”
That something special he refers to is the hope that he can bring championship glory to the Kings. They’ve missed the playoffs all but once since returning to the league in 2010.
“That’s the plan, to strive for greatness. If I said anything different then it would be time for me to go home.
“I’ve been a winner my whole career. I’ve been a winner my whole life. I look forward to playing a fun brand of basketball.”
The addition of the veteran makes for a formidable list of big men for the Kings.
Powell joins fellow import Greg Whittington, Aleks Maric, Tom Garlepp and Julian Khazzouh, with Julian Khazzouh to return from injury within the month.
As with most of the Kings forwards, Powell has the ability to shoot from long range, as well as drive to the basket with ferocity.
“That’s one of the good things about me and what I can bring to the table, is being apart of different things and different situations.
Powell will suit up tomorrow for the Kings against the rival Illawarra Hawks, who are coming off a 34-point thrashing of the Adelaide 36ers.
“There’s no excuses, we’ve got to get it done. I’m excited and ready. I came out here to enjoy it but I need to take care of business as well, so I’m ready for whatever they need me to do.”
Build your own ultimate team! Pick your key players and take a shot at big cash prizes every day with Draftstars. For great odds on NBA games every day head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The pressure is building on defending NBL champions Sydney, but coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah isn't feeling it, even after a loss to the bottom-placed Adelaide…
This is looking like a different Hawks team since Justin Tatum replaced Jacob Jackomas, winning four from six.
The Sydney Kings have successfully defended their NBL crown.
News from on and off court around the NBL.
The NBL has delivered a slap on the wrists to the Kings coach and a proverbial slap in the face to all referees.
Sydney have lowered Melbourne's colours on Christmas Day.
