NBL 2022: Sydney Kings owner says players know the truth about cancelled 2020 finals series
Sydney Kings have set the scene for a fiery clash against Perth Wildcats after declaring the players involved in the cancelled 2020 finals series “know the truth” about the title’s legitimacy.
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The Sydney Kings will forever feel like the 2020 NBL championship has an asterisk against it.
The history books say the Perth Wildcats won the title, but it will never sit comfortably with the Kings.
“All of the players on that roster in that season know the truth, they know what went down and we will always carry it as part of our DNA,” Kings chairman and owner Paul Smith told News Corp.
“The team today are focused on the current season and history means nothing, but ultimately as a team that is part of our club, the players know the history.”
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The NBL awarded the 2019-20 championship to the Wildcats in the wake of the Sydney’s decision to pull out of the grand final series amid the growing coronavirus pandemic.
Smith claimed the league reneged on handshake agreement with both teams that no champion would be declared for the season, considering the best of five series had not been decided.
Perth were leading the best of five series 2-1 – with two games still to be played.
“It was explicitly stated by the Wildcats and the Kings that neither was to have the championship without completing the five-game series — explicit,” Smith said at the time.
The NBL repeatedly denied Smith’s claim, saying “there was no agreement” between the league and the two teams, but as they say, where there is smoke, there is fire.
Two years later the Kings have moved on, but the memories remain.
According to Perth star guard Bryce Cotton, though, there is no debate.
“I feel like that (2020) is my third championship with zero asterisk on it just to keep it short and proper, I guess,” Cotton said laughing.
“We’ve always had some good back and forth with Sydney in the past, but what is done is done and it’s not going to change.
“We’ve definitely moved past it and everyone else on the (Wildcats) team got a ring, so there is no asterisk as far as I’m concerned.”
Smith, though, points out that NBL owner Larry Kestelman even admitted the 2020 season would always have an “asterisk” against it.
Kestelman was quoted just days after the Kings pulled out of the grand final series against Perth saying: “There’s always going to be an asterisk next to this season, for all sorts of reasons … we’re all going to remember this one.”
Smith says this is the ultimate proof that the 2020 championship will be forever tarnished.
“So, Bryce might say there is no asterisk, but Larry (Kestelman) says there is,” he said.
“And so I violently agree with Larry on that.”
The Kings and Wildcats will renew their rivalry on Saturday in a blockbuster top of the table clash.
Sydney head west chasing a third win over Perth this season and nine straight wins as the NBL’s best two guards – Cotton and Jaylen Adams battle it out.
Adams has won both games against Perth this season – the most recent an epic clash in Sydney back in round 12.
The Kings claimed a classic win – 98-95 – in one of the games of the season.
Adams finished with 31 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists while Cotton had 33 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The gifted guards will go at it again in Perth on Saturday night.
“The match-up is definitely fun,” Adams said.
“I don’t think Bryce scores the way an average guard scores.
“Perth does a good job as a team trying to get him open and the ball in the spots where he can score.
“So, it is about focusing in on our defence. We’ve seen it before though, so there won’t be many surprises.”
Saturday will be Adams’ first game at RAC Arena – one of the most intimidating home venues in Australian sport – but the Kings guard won’t be taking a backwards step.
He has played in the NBA and on the college stage, so he insists he’ll be ready for the Wildcats’ Red Army.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“I like road games almost more than I like home games.
“Just that feeling of being in someone else’s building, so you’ve got to come in with an extra focus.
“The boys have told me about the atmosphere of Perth’s home crowd and just the arena in general.
“I look forward to having that energy behind us. It is going to be loud and not easy, but we’ll see if we can steal one on the road.”
Kings guard Dejan Vasiljevic lost five straight games against Perth last season, but he has managed to reverse his fortunes this season.
Vasiljevic was also involved in a heated verbal exchange with Wildcats big man Matt Hodgson back in round 9.
The pair exchanged sledges before Hodgson repeatedly hit out at the Kings guard, prompting a melee.
Vasiljevic isn’t worried, though, with the scoreboard doing the talking for Sydney so far this season.
“I’m 2-0 against the Wildcats this year, so I’m trying to even the playing field,” Vasiljevic said.
“So, any game I get against the Wildcats I’m trying to win and help my team in every way possible to get that win.”
Like Adams, Vasiljevic isn’t afraid heading to Perth’s imposing RAC Arena to face the passionate Red Army.
The Kings guard even cheekily declared that the Wildcats’ home arena remains behind Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena in the crowd stakes.
“Besides our arena, I think theirs is second best in the league,” he said.
“I mean I have to be a little bit biased, but for real Perth’s atmosphere is unreal. Their fans get involved and they always get a good crowd.
“It is like an NBA type arena, so it is kind of cool.
“You always get one or two hecklers who sit a couple of rows behind our bench to try and put us off, but I think the Wildcats fans are respectful enough not to say anything personal to us, but they are very loud when they are cheering for their team.”
CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER RETURNS TO UNITED
Just when you thought Melbourne United couldn’t get any better, the defending champions sign a former title-winning guard.
United’s chances of claiming consecutive banners have received a major boost after the club secured Japanese guard Yudai Baba for the remainder of the season.
Baba played 36 games for United last season, providing instant energy whenever he was on the floor, helping propel Melbourne during its championship run.
United coach Dean Vickerman spoke glowingly about adding Baba back into the team and how he believes the move helps his side moving forward.
“Luckily, Baba was available to us after leaving the G League,” Vickerman said.
“He’s a guy that was our defensive player of the year and can slide straight back into our culture and understand our system with only a quarter of the season left.”
ReUNITED.@MelbUnited are bringing back a major piece from last year's squad as they prepare to make a run at back-to-back titles ðŸ†ðŸ‘€
— The NBL (@NBL) March 23, 2022
Welcome to #NBL22, @yudai_baba!
Full details ⤵ï¸
Baba, 26, played an enormous role for United in its grand final sweep against Perth, scoring a combined 26 points across Games two and three, including a series-ending dunk to seal the championship win.
The Japanese guard will rejoin the team following a stint in the NBA G League with the Texas Legends, where he averaged 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds on 50/40/90 shooting splits.
Looking at how his game has grown since he last suited up for United, Vickerman said Baba’s time with Japan in the Olympics and in the G League has made him a stronger, more dangerous player.
“I think he really expanded his game in the G League while he was there as well,” he said.
“We know that he’s going to add to our transition play and add to our defence. “You look at some of the other teams in the league, they all have multiple elite guards, and they’re people that you need high level defenders against.”
More than his on the court impact, Vickerman is excited to bring back someone who seamlessly slots into United’s culture.
“He’s just an amazing person, our crowd and our team loved the way he went about things,” he said.
“He’s a fan favourite because of the speed in which he plays. There’s an absolute courtesy and respect for the game that Baba plays with.”
Subject to medical and VISA approvals, Baba will be travelling to Australia this week. The exciting Japanese-native will be available to suit up for United as soon as possible following his arrival.
In other news, the South East Melbourne Phoenix have re-signed guard Reuben Te Rangi for two years.
Te Rangi has been an essential member of the Phoenix since coming across from the Brisbane Bullets before the NBL21 season.
The New Zealand native is lauded for his strong defence, playing multiple positions, and for his leadership within the group.
Te Rangi has played 265 games at only 27 years of age, often described around the league as the young veteran.
He has been in good form recently, starting the last two games in the absence of Ryan Broekhoff, who is out with a shoulder injury.
“It’s great to be around here a little longer and improve my game and try to win a few championships,” Te Rangi commented on his contract extension.
“Playing for the club, I love the group of boys, the core group we have here I’m good friends with and really enjoy the coaching staff here as well.
“I‘m still working on my leadership, but I think being around the block a long time, you get to learn a few things.
“Just passing that knowledge onto some of the younger boys and helping out where I can with the older boys.”
TALKING HOOPS: NBA GIANTS EYE HAWKS’ NEXT STAR
NBL’s big talking points ahead of round 17, with Matt Logue.
1: WARRIORS EYES ON JESSUP AND NBL
Officials from Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors will arrive in Australia in the coming weeks to evaluate the NBA prospects of multiple players, including Illawarra sharpshooter Justinian Jessup.
The Warriors selected Jessup with the 51st pick in the 2020 NBA draft before sending him to Australia as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program.
The six-time NBA champions have kept in constant contact with the shooting guard throughout his two-season tenure in Illawarra.
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Warriors trainers regularly talk with Jessup via zoom to discuss his conditioning and form – now they want to see his game in the flesh.
Hawks co-owner and president Dorry Kordahi is confident that Jessup has improved enough to pick up a deal in the NBA next season.
“It’s a positive that Golden State continue to show interest in Justinian and are still having meetings around his progression and development,” Kordahi said.
“His defence has improved a lot, and while he still has some way to go, he has the ability to play in the NBA. The Warriors coming out here to see him play is also a testament to his improvement and the strength of the NBL’s Next Stars program.
“Golden State have been very professional to deal with – you can see why they are one of the NBA’s best franchises. They’ve been a pleasure to deal with.”
The question remains: has Jessup done enough to secure an NBA contract based off his current season with Illawarra? He has averaged 13.19 points, 1.67 assists and 3.71 rebounds while shooting 44 per cent from the field.
The Hawks could also re-sign Jessup as an import for next season and beyond.
Regardless, Golden State officials remain interested in the guard and want to see how he performs in the coming weeks.
The Hawks host ladder leaders Melbourne United, featuring Matthew Dellavedova and German Next Star Ariel Hukporti, next Saturday in a blockbuster clash.
This would be the perfect game for Golden State officials to watch, especially with Boomers big man Duop Reath also on show for Illawarra.
In other news, respected ESPN draft analyst Mike Schmitz has arrived in Australia to evaluate the NBL’s NBA draft talent ahead of the draft on June 23.
“Just touched down in Melbourne,” Schmitz tweeted from the airport. “Will be in Australia for the next week or so scouting the top NBA prospects in the NBL. Let’s go.”
2: COTTON HASN’T GIVEN UP ON NBA DREAM
The man dubbed the NBL’s greatest import ever – Perth superstar Bryce Cotton – refuses to close the door on his NBA dream.
Cotton, who has previously played 23 NBA regular season games for Utah, Phoenix, and Memphis, has received limited interest since joining the Australian league in 2016-2017.
He knocked back a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks during his maiden NBL season before going on to win his first championship with the Wildcats.
Cotton, who turns 30 in August, would jump at the NBA if a club came knocking.
“If they (the NBA) ever give me the opportunity, I’m on the first plane smoking out of here for sure,” Cotton told the Logue Down basketball podcast.
“But again, it is one of those out of sight, out of mind things. If the opportunity presents itself, I’m there, but I tend not to focus on it because that type of stuff can drive you mad.
“In hindsight it has worked out because the Hawks ended up getting who they wanted at the trade deadline back in 2017, which means I would have only been there for 10 days.
“Whereas I stayed out here in Australia and won the championship and I’ve been coming back ever since.
“Since then, that is the closest I’ve got to the NBA, apart from being told that I’m high on some teams’ radar, but that could mean anything.”
3: CELTICS EYE NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS
Austin Ainge, the son of Boston Celtics royalty – championship winner turned former GM Danny Ainge, is in Australia evaluating the NBL’s draft hopefuls.
Ainge junior, the director of player personnel at the Celtics, attended last Sunday’s Melbourne United versus Adelaide 36ers clash at John Cain Arena.
United big man Hukporti was on show while Adelaide’s Filipino star Kai Sotto also played.
Ainge’s next stop is Cairns to watch the New Zealand Breakers’ two French NBA draft prospects play. Forward Ousmane Deng and guard Hugo Besson are ranked at 19 and 32 respectively in ESPN’s recent mock draft.
Austin Ainge plans to watch both Breakers’ games this weekend featuring Deng and Besson.
The first on Thursday against the Brisbane Bullets and the second on Sunday afternoon against the Cairns Taipans.
4: ROTH LABELLED A ‘SOOK’
Tasmania coach Scott Roth has been hailed a “sook” after he angrily went after Illawarra guard Antonius Cleveland for mimicking his passionate post-game celebrations.
Roth, a coach of the year candidate, has become a household name this season for his fist-pumping celebrations to the crowd after JackJumpers’ wins.
The Tassie coach celebrated hard with the crowd after his side defeated Illawarra in round 15.
Less than a week later, the Hawks got revenge with a big win over the JackJumpers, prompting Cleveland to copy Roth’s infamous post-game celebration.
Only problem, Roth didn’t take kindly to the joke, charging towards the Illawarra guard before officials and players pulled him away.
League legend Shane Heal has hit out at Roth’s double standards.
“Seven days ago, Scott Roth did exactly the same thing,” Heal reasoned on the Basketball Show. “What a sook carrying on like he did.
“I don’t care if he (Cleveland) was taking the piss. I would have taken the piss as well. It was Cleveland’s turn to celebrate.
“If you are going to celebrate hard then you need to suck it up the next week when you lose.
“You shake the man’s hand and say well done.
AC and Scott Roth weren’t happy with each other 👀#NBL22
— NBL News (@NBL_News) March 19, 2022
pic.twitter.com/DCFzlg0JBm
“The way he carried on after the game trying to get to Cleveland – I would have done the same thing as Cleveland. Don’t start pointing and threatening, c’mon, mate.”
Fellow legendary guard Derek Rucker agreed with Heal’s view on Roth.
“When you go over the top like that, you must expect some type of retribution,” Rucker said.
“It pains me to go down this route, but what he (Roth) did was inexcusable.
“Scott was raging like a mad man.”
MILESTONE MEN
Cairns guard and former Wildcat Jarrod Kenny will play his 200th NBL game against the Phoenix on Friday.
Sharpshooter Chris Goulding will play his 200th NBL game for Melbourne United against Brian Goorjian’s Illawarra Hawks on Sunday.
KEY STAT
The Sydney Kings will be shooting for nine straight wins when they take on the Wildcats in Perth on Saturday night, but history suggests they face a tough task to keep their winning streak alive. The Kings have won just three games at Perth’s RAC Arena in 19 clashes while their only win in their last six trips west was game 2 of 2020 grand final series.
NBL ROUND 17 DRAW
Thursday, March 24 from 7.30pm (AEDT) at Cairns Convention Centre and Live on ESPN and Kayo
New Zealand Breakers vs Brisbane Bullets
9.30pm (AEDT) at RAC Arena and Live on ESPN and Kayo
Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Friday, March 25 from 7.30pm (AEDT) at Cairns Convention Centre and Live on ESPN and Kayo
Cairns Taipans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Saturday, March 26 from 5.30pm (AEDT) at Nissan Arena and Live on ESPN and Kayo
Brisbane Bullets vs Tasmania JackJumpers
8pm (AEDT) at RAC Arena and Live on ESPN and Kayo
Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings
Sunday, March 27 from 1pm (AEDT) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Live on ESPN, 10Peach and Kayo
Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
3pm (AEDT) at John Cain Arena and Live on ESPN, 10Peach and Kayo
Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks
5.30pm (AEDT) at Cairns Convection Centre and Live on ESPN and Kayo
New Zealand Breakers vs Cairns Taipans
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