Why the Sydney Kings versus Melbourne United match-up is this summer’s best sporting rivalry
The Sydney Kings versus Melbourne United match-up has genuine dislike, tension and high-level competition, helping it stand above the other codes. It’s become the summer’s fiercest rivalry.
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It’s this summer’s premier sporting stoush.
The Sydney Kings-Melbourne United rivalry has genuine dislike and tension, with Melbourne-born Kings big man Andrew Bogut believing today’s clash at Qudos Bank Arena has developed into a legitimate contest.
“Going into last season, the rivalry was a bit manufactured, but I think it has just naturally turned into a huge rivalry, which is good to see,” Bogut said.
“With Casper Ware leaving United and coming here with Craig Moller and other storylines, it is now genuine.
“Our last game against Melbourne on Melbourne Cup eve had a playoff-type atmosphere.”
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MELBOURNE BLEW BOGUT CHANCE
Bogut was just a signature away from joining Melbourne United when the Kings pulled off the greatest 11th-hour signing heist in NBL history.
In mid-April 2018, the big man’s deal to join his hometown franchise was all but sealed before United tabled their commercial terms, which included the prospect of controlling the former NBA champion’s intellectual property.
The request did not sit well with Bogut, who is well aware of the value of owning his own brand.
That’s when Sydney swooped.
After numerous conversations dating back more than a decade, then-Kings general manager of basketball Jeff Van Groningen thought he’d reach out to Bogut one last time.
It started with a simple phone call, then a meeting at Crown Casino in Melbourne. In just three days, the Kings had their man. In the end, Bogut was sold on Sydney’s business vision for the future.
The Kings’ two-year contract also included part-ownership of the franchise when he retires.
WARE’S LOW BALL OFFER
The last time the two teams met, with United getting home 107-104 on November 4, tensions reached boiling point on the court when Sydney coach Will Weaver was ejected. It wasn’t much better off it.
A lot of the animosity centres on United’s decision not to renew Casper Ware’s deal when they had the opportunity over the off-season.
Ware kept the details private, but he was disappointed when Melbourne offered him a reduced offer.
The below-par contract given his ability left him with no choice but to explore the market. Sydney swooped again.
Let’s just say, it hasn’t been forgotten.
SLEDGE CITY
The two sides don’t mind a sledge. Before a basketball was bounced this season, Bogut labelled United the “$6 million” championship favourites.
Melbourne lost Ware to the Kings but loaded up with big names Melo Trimble, Shawn Long and Casey Prather.
Asked if United’s stacked roster will place less pressure on the Kings, Bogut replied: “Oh definitely. United have probably spent five or six million dollars on their roster.
“We are nowhere near the capacity of being able to spend what they spend. But we are excited to be the underdogs and beating that bully up.”
UNITED’S DOMINANCE
United have won 13 of their past 14 games against the Kings heading into today’s blockbuster clash.
Sydney snapped a 10-game losing streak against Melbourne dating back two seasons and 309 NBL games with a 97-85 home win last year.
Originally published as Why the Sydney Kings versus Melbourne United match-up is this summer’s best sporting rivalry