NBA bound? December deadline to decide Didi Louzada’s Kings future
Sydney Kings will be sweating on a clause in star import Didi Louzada’s contract that allows the New Orleans Pelicans to recall the Brazilian guard to the NBA.
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The Sydney Kings have an agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans that allows the NBA franchise to recall Brazilian guard Didi Louzada before December 31.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Louzada could return to America to play with the Pelicans at their request.
New Orleans own the playmaker’s rights after picking him up with the 35th pick in this year’s NBA draft.
If the Pelicans don’t recall Louzada before the new year, he will remain with the Kings until the end of the NBL season.
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Sydney officials are conscious of the NBA-out in the Brazilian sensation’s contract but remain confident that he will see out the season in Australia.
It comes as Louzada produced his best NBL game against defending champions Perth on Sunday.
He dropped 28 points on the Wildcats, including an impressive 7 of 11 from beyond the arc.
Louzada’s standout performance sparked the interest of New Orleans, who have been in constant contact with Sydney about his progress in the NBL.
The Pelicans know the Kings have the guard’s best interests at heart when it comes to his wellbeing, form and progression as a player.
It’s why it’s doubtful that the Pelicans will recall Louzada, because the franchise believes the 20-year-old will benefit from a full season in the NBL.
The Brazilian international is also coming to terms with the language barrier living overseas.
He requires a translator to communicate with coaching staff, teammates and members of the media.
But after showcasing his skills in front of New Orleans GM Trajan Langdon last month, Louzada has proved his worth as an NBA talent.
He will look to continue his strong form when he takes on fellow Next Star signing LaMelo Ball and the Illawarra Hawks in Sydney on Sunday.
The clash between Louzada and Ball is expected to attract a bumper attendance to Qudos Bank Arena.
15,000 fans are expected to converge, which would be the biggest standalone crowd for the Kings.
Sydney holds an NBL record for the largest crowd, which came in 1999 when 17,142 fans turned up at Homebush to see Sydney rivals the Kings and Razorbacks play in separate double header matches.
In 2000, 13,000 people also attended a double header at Homebush with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters.
It’s doubtful that the Kings versus Hawks game on Sunday will be an 18,000 sell-out but the franchise is pushing for a record crowd.