Return of the King? Rosen Backs Sydney Legend for Coaching Post

Saturday, May 20, 2023

When the Sydney Kings are searching for a new head coach, they tend to cast the net far and wide.

When the Sydney Kings are searching for a new head coach, they tend to cast the net far and wide. Club legend and Ring of Honour member Brad Rosen believes his former side could look to a club legend to lead the way in NBL24.

Matt Nielsen has gone down as one of the most exceptional players in Kings history. A league MVP, Grand Final MVP and two championships defined his playing stint at the Kings, and since his playing retirement in 2013 he has gone on to become one of the most high-profile emerging Australian coaches in the world.

Currently employed as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs – after winning three NBL titles as an assistant coach with the Perth Wildcats – Nielsen will link up with Brian Goorjian and the Boomers ahead of their upcoming FIBA World Cup campaign as an assistant coach.

Rosen says his former club would not be doing their due diligence if they fail to approach Nielsen.

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“Now Matt Nielsen, I played with and he’s one of my best mates,” Rosen told The Big Sports Breakfast. “I would love to see him come back.

“With the reach we’ve got with the Kings with the fact that Longley’s involved, Bogut’s involved, Chris Pongrass was at Memphis – I can see it overseas.

“But I just don’t see that (Nielsen) happening. Especially now San Antonio has got the first pick … I think it will go to an American guy.”

Following the departure of Buford, the revolving door of head coaches at the Kings is set to continue.

Heading back to Andrew Gaze’s departure as head coach in 2019, both Will Weaver and Adam Forde each held the position for one campaign ahead of Buford’s arrival.

Rosen believes the split between Buford and the Kings has been amicable.

“It’s a really tough decision. Everything I’m hearing is both sides love each other and it’s such a shame. It’s a nice parting.

“You look at other sports and how ugly it can be so at least it’s finished in a nice way.

“I think he’ll be in the NBA, he’s a great coach … I think it’d be nuts if someone didn’t take him on.”