Phoenix target difference-makers in Vegas

With three import spots to fill as the countdown to the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season continues, Josh King is searching for talent at the NBA Summer League.

Like several other clubs, the Phoenix have a point guard at the top of their agenda as they look to fill the void left by Owen Foxwell’s departure. Replacing a player with the quality and versatility of John Brown III will be no easy task either.

“We’ve got a lot of spots filled already, but point guard, four man (power forward) and maybe best available … swiss army knife,” King said from Las Vegas, pondering the club’s targets.

“We’ve got some guys we’ve been tracking for a long time, so now we’re here we can meet with them and their agents and hopefully get some contracts signed.

“Of course we’ve got to score the ball, but we have to better on defence than we were last year, if we want to get to the next level.

“We’re trying to find guys that fit the way we play.

“I think we want to try to be different. We don’t want to be the same as everyone else.”

After consecutive Playoff appearances, the future looks bright for King’s team, but he says the Phoenix are not content with simply playing Finals. The next step is clear.

“We’ve had some success, but I think it’s no secret we’ve got to get to that grand final and have an opportunity to win the championship,” he said.

The Phoenix have already secured several key pillars in their roster build, but their work at Summer League will go a long way towards defining their chances in NBL27.

Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover and Jordan Hunter are vital players to have locked in, while the signing of Tanner Krebs provide valuable experience. However, much of the starting lineup is still to be decided.

“It’s not going to be easy. Every year is different and we’re not going to have the same team we had last year.

“It starts at ground zero and that starts next month.”

King also said he could not be more excited for Next Star Malique Lewis, whose name was called with the final selection of last month’s NBA Draft.

“You’re proud of a guy like Malique who’s worked really hard to get to this point,” he said.

“Now you’re a little bit nervous, because you want to see him do well.

“So excited for Malique. It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing him play tomorrow.”