Davis' Adelaide bad blood

A new chapter in the bitter rivalry between Adelaide and Sydney is playing out in public, with former 36er and now King, Kendric Davis, backing over his ugly off-season exit.

The 26-year-old has again claimed he was "treated bad" by Adelaide, before signing with his new club. Those are claims the 36ers have strongly refuted.

"I don't like how I was treated in Adelaide," Davis said in an interview shown on NBL Overtime, which aired at a new time-slot (7pm AEST) on Monday night on ESPN.

"It's no secret, like I felt like I was treated bad. And when they wanted to treat me good, it was because of the mark I made.

"So yeah, I got extra spice for that. I hate some things that went on in Adelaide."

Fans will have to wait until October 11 to see just how much bad blood exists on the court, when the Kings head to Adelaide to take on the 36ers for the first time.

NBL legend Derek Rucker said Davis will be out to prove a point when he goes head-to-head with five time MVP Bryce Cotton.

"I think there might be a little bit of a chip on his shoulder ... he's trying to get to the NBA also," Rucker said.

"When you look at how Adelaide have gone about their off season going out and getting Bryce Cotton - that's a little bit of a slap in the face.

"When a big-time player leaves, you kind of hate to see them sign one of the best players in NBL history."

Adelaide has previously defended its handling of the off-season dealings, at odds with Davis' version of events. The club issued a statement and timeline events that read in part:
“The Adelaide 36ers, at all times, acted in good faith with Davis and his representatives, initiating contract discussions and remaining in constant communication with an intention to have him re-sign with the club."