Copeland sounds warning as title race heats up

Adelaide have set the benchmark, storming to a 17-4 record and top spot on the ladder over the past two months.

But according to one former champion, the title race may be starting to shift.

Lanard Copeland believes it is the Sydney Kings who now pose the biggest threat to the 36ers’ growing empire.

“They are the best team in the league right now,” Copeland said on the Nothing But Net podcast. “They’re rolling.”

“KD (Kendric Davis) is playing outside of himself.

“(Xavier) Cooks has the ball in his hands. He’s coming down, making the passes and dunking on people.”

The Kings are riding a five-game winning streak and have won nine of their past 11 games, bouncing back strongly from a 3-5 start.

A roster stacked with talent on paper, it is now all coming together for Brian Goorjian and his group.

Beyond the impact of their marquee stars, Copeland said Sydney’s work on the defensive end has been just as impressive.

“The number one guy is Bul Kuol,” Copeland said.

“That guy has shut down (Bryce) Cotton, he’s shut down (Kristian) Doolittle, he’s shut down Goulding.”

“He’s done a great job on the defensive end, and it’s got the other guys playing that kind of defence as well as shooting the ball from the outside.”

Sydney currently sits in fourth place on the NBL standings, but would move above the Phoenix in third with a win against the Bullets.

The Kings host Brisbane on Tuesday night, with tip-off at 7.30pm, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> ‘The best team in the league right now’: Legend crowns new benchmark