Sydney Kings sign former NBA wing Damion James as injury replacement for Josh Childress

THE Sydney Kings have officially signed former New Jersey Nets small forward Damion James as an injury replacement for Josh Childress.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 22: Damion James #7 of the Washington Wizards speaks to Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks in a preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 22, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

THE Sydney Kings have officially signed former New Jersey Nets small forward Damion James as an injury replacement for Josh Childress.

James will arrive in Sydney on Thursday and is expected to suit up for the Kings’ game against the New Zealand Breakers on Friday, barring any complications.

He will make his home debut on Sunday against the Perth Wildcats; a game that will also be the Kings’ final game at the Qantas Credit Union Arena.

Josh Childress suffered an injury to his left hand in the Kings’ game against the Cairns Taipans, with the star wing expected to sit out for 2-4 weeks.

Damion James of the Nets fends of Sonny Williams of the Raptors during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors.

New head coach Joe Connelly was the key in getting James to the NBL, with the 28-year-old reportedly keen to step into his role and make a big impact for the Kings.

“I’ve spoken with Damion on the phone and he is hungry to step in and help us out right away,” said head coach Joe Connelly, in an official release.

“There has been nothing but high praise about Damion as a player, and more importantly as a person, so we’re obviously excited to have him on the team as we embark on this next crucial stretch of games.”

In four seasons in the NBA — playing for the New Jersey Nets, the Brooklyn Nets, as well as the San Antonio Spurs — James averaged 3.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He was a member of the 2013-14 NBA Championship winning Spurs side.

James’ latest playing stint was with Le Mans Sarthe Basket of France for the 2015–16 season. Over his time in France, he played six league games and five Eurocup games.

Originally published as Sydney Kings sign former NBA wing Damion James as injury replacement for Josh Childress