“Full-circle moment” for Kings star

It's been almost 10 years since Sydney Kings new recruit, Torrey Craig last played in the NBL. Now, after eight years in the NBA, he returns to the league where his professional career began.

The first three seasons in Australia were spent in Cairns (two) and Brisbane, but on this occasion, it will be with Brian Goorjian's Kings, who sit in third and are firmly in the Hungry Jack's championship mix.

During his introductory press conference in Sydney, the 35-year-old forward explained he's willing to embrace 'whatever role the team needs him to be successful'.

"It feels good to be back in a league where it all started for me," Craig said on Tuesday.

"It's definitely a full-circle moment for me and I'm very appreciative of the Kings organisation for reaching out to me.

"I'm excited to be given the chance to contribute to a team [like Sydney] and am willing to take on whatever role I need to take for the team to be successful."

Craig, who won NBL17's Defensive Player of the Year award and was named to the 2016-17 All-NBL Second Team, admits he turned down offers from other NBL and European teams before signing in the Harbour City, a move which reunites him with former teammate Shaun Bruce.

Despite just arriving, Craig is confident he can acclimatise quickly to Brian Goorjian's team, who are currently without Xavier Cooks (ankle), Matthew Dellavedova (concussion), Bul Kuol (knee), Keli Leaupepe (knee) and Jason Spurgin (foot).

"Everywhere I've been, I've always tried to be a guy that can do multiple things, play multiple positions, and just be coachable and fit in easy with any group," he said.

"I've kind of mastered that throughout my career, so I don't see it being any different here.

"It's a great group of guys, easy to play with, easy to get along with and talk to. I'm just excited to see what the rest of the season and the finals hold for us."

Coach Goorjian explained that he was presented numerous names to replace the injured Kuol, but when Craig's came across his desk, it was a "no-brainer" for his team.

"We needed another player coming down this back stretch of this [season], to help us get where we want to go," Goorjian said.

"When his name came up, it was really exciting, just in terms of what's required basketball-wise for us. He's played in Australia before. He's very respected here, winning Defensive Player of the Year, and has gone on and done a tremendous job in the NBA.

"He can do multiple things [on the court], play multiple positions, and has fit in perfectly since he's arrived. It was a no-brainer and I'm excited to have him here."

Goorjian confirmed that Craig would suit up during the Kings' Round 18 clash with Tasmania on Thursday night, saying "he'll come off the bench".

Thursday's clash at Qudos Bank Arena tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.