Veteran NBA guard signs on with Kings

The Sydney Kings have rounded out their NBL24 import trio with the signing of NBA veteran guard Denzel Valentine.

Valentine, 29, was selected with the 14^th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by Chicago, and has played a total of 260 NBA games across stints with the Bulls, Cavaliers and Jazz.

His most outstanding career season in the NBA came as a member of the Bulls in 2017-18, where he played 77 games (37 starts) and averaged career highs in points (10.2), rebounds (5.1) and assists (3.2) per game.

He most recently represented the Maine Celtics in the NBA G-League, where he averaged 13.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and six assists per game.

"[What attracted me to the Kings] was the opportunity to play at a first-class organisation and give myself the exposure of one of the fastest growing leagues in the world," Valentine said.

"Even before this amazing chance presented itself, I'd see how big the league had been getting via social media.

"Combine that with the Kings' history of winning and the exciting opportunity to live in Sydney - and visit a country I'd never been to - was too good to pass up.

"With six years of NBA experience under my belt I'm confident I can bring plenty of intangibles including leadership, winning, and what it takes to play at the highest level to the club."

Coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah is excited to bring someone with Valentine’s pedigree into the Kings' system.

"Any time you can bring someone of Denzel's talent and experience into your team is exciting, and I honestly believe his leadership will be invaluable to the younger guys at the club," he said.

"He's such a unique player because I feel like he can play anywhere from one to four, both on offence and defence."

Valentine is the Kings' 14th signing ahead of NBL24, and joins Jaylen Adams, DJ Hogg, Alex Toohey, Jonah Bolden, Shaun Bruce, Angus Glover, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Jordan Hunter, Sam Timmins, Makuach Maluach, Jackson Makoi and Klairus Amir on the club's roster.

Sydney now has just two development player spots to fill ahead of the new season.