Top NBA agent backs NBL rise

He’s made a name representing some of the NBA’s brightest stars on the global stage, and he’s used to supporting those he believes in - but rarely does that praise come from Daniel Moldovan for those off the hardwood – until now.

In a rare and candid show of public support, Moldovan has come forward to endorse the NBL, after an unsolicited move from Hawks owner Jared Novelly to remove its owner Larry Kestelman.

“Since Larry took over the league, we have gone from the edge of extinction to the world stage,” Moldovan told NewsCorp.

“What he has managed to do in less than a decade is nothing short of remarkable.”

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For Moldovan, it’s more than just business - it’s personal.

“Unlike some that have only recently come to our shores, I was around for the so-called golden era and was a victim of the NBL’s lowest moments, where club after club collapsed and our doors were almost shut.

“Larry has revived the sport, injected his own funds into the expansion and marketing of this league and has done so with honesty and integrity.”

The contrast between then and now couldn’t be more stark and Moldovan, who represents Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels among many others, believes the NBL has not only rebounded, it has become a global trailblazer.

“Top leagues are trying to emulate what the NBL is doing. There is not a single league that I know of that has a closer relationship with the NBA and is more respected by the top executives across America.

“In less than 10 years, we have witnessed multiple firsts for our league and our sport, whether it be NBL teams participating in NBA Summer League or the soon-to-be arrival of an NBA team on our shores.

“The world-renowned NBL Next Star program is single-handedly responsible for the spawning of programs like Overtime Elite and the G League Ignite. The NBL continues to pioneer new frontiers.

“We have a product that is bringing the non-basketball fan to arenas across Australia. We have a product that is being watched throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and live on ESPN here in America where I reside.”

And Moldovan is even more bullish on what’s to come.

“On the current trajectory, it won’t be long before basketball is Australia’s #1 sport. With Larry at the helm, I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring.”