NBL’s marquee match-up as former NBA stars Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick go head-to-head

THE marquee match-up NBL fans have been waiting for is finally here, as former NBA stars Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick go head-to-head.

NBL: Kings v Adelaide

THE marquee match-up NBL fans have been waiting for is finally here.

Former NBA stars Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick will finally go head-to-head when Childress’ Sydney Kings host Warrick’s Melbourne United at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.

Injuries to both star players stopped the duo from playing against each other this season, and Childress will be returning from a fractured hand to get one shot of playing against his former NBA teammate. Childress and Warrick played together at the Phoenix Suns from 2010 and 2012.

Kings coach Joe Connelly, who was an assistant coach with NBA franchise Washington Wizards, said it would be exciting for Australian hoops fans to see two NBA players lock horns in the NBL.

“Hakim’s and Josh’s game is so different. Hakim can hit a 16- or 18-footer or take you to the rack, while Josh can play from point guard to centre and still be productive,” Connelly said.

“It’s a great match-up for the fans. To see two NBA players go head-to-head shows you that this league is heading in the right direction.”

Just seeing Childress return would be exciting for Kings fans who have had to endure a tough season watching Sydney play without their star player. A foot injury and two broken hands during the campaign have restricted Childress to just three games.

The Kings have clearly missed him as Sydney sit bottom of the NBL with four wins from 18 games.

“He brings a lot of energy to the team and he’s very versatile. He scores, rebounds, passes and contributes a lot to areas where we have a bit of a deficiency,” Connelly said.

“Josh has been practising with us for the past few days and when we knew he was playing, the quality at practice went up a level. I’m excited and I know he’s excited to be back.”

Josh Childress’s return from injury will be a big boost for the Kings.

Connelly says Warrick has lifted in the last few games and expects a tough game from Melbourne after the Kings recently defeated United away.

Sydney are keen to do a good job defending Melbourne’s dangerous backcourt duo of Stephen Holt and Chris Goulding.

“They’re tough and have a great backcourt,” Connelly said.

Kings assistant coach Ben Knight, who came out of retirement to play his 400th NBL game against New Zealand, will suit up again for tonight’s game.

Originally published as NBL’s marquee match-up as former NBA stars Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick go head-to-head