NBL: Brazilian NBA hopeful Didi Louzada will return to the Sydney Kings next season

Didi Louzada is returning to the Sydney Kings for the 2020-2021 NBL season following a standout maiden season with the franchise.

NBA hopeful Didi Louzada is heading back to the Sydney KIngs for a second season. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images.

Brazilian NBA hopeful Didi Louzada will return to the Sydney Kings next season in a major boost for the franchise’s championship aspirations.

Louzada excelled in his first season at the Kings last year on loan from the New Orleans Pelicans.

The small forward played 24 games for Sydney last season, averaging 11.4 points, 1.7 assists and shooting 42 per cent from the field.

Beyond the stats, Louzada provides the Kings with an athletically gifted forward who can run the floor and shoot from range.

Sydney CEO Chris Pongrass confirmed the 21-year-old was flying back to Australia from Brazil on Wednesday to take up the second-year option at the Kings.

Didi can return to the NBA to make his debut for New Orleans at any time, but the franchise is impressed by his development in the NBL.

The Pelicans own the gun talent’s rights after he was traded there following his selection as the 35th pick by Atlanta in the 2019 draft.

New Orleans general manager Trajan Langdon has a strong relationship with Kings coach Will Weaver after the pair worked alongside each other at the Brooklyn Nets.

It’s why he was more than happy for Louzada to develop in Sydney under Weaver’s guidance.

Didi Louzada is returning to the Sydney Kings after excelling in his first season last year. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins.

The Kings fan favourite farewelled his friends in Brazil before boarding a plane bound for Sydney.

Louzada’s return is crucial for the Kings, especially if he can consistently recapture his sizzling shooting form from stages last season.