Jaylen Adams locked in on helping the Sydney Kings achieve NBL history
As a former NBA player, Jaylen Adams always has career options. But coming back to help claim a rare championship three-peat with the Sydney Kings was an easy decision.
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Jaylen Adams “always” has career options as an ex-NBA player, but he concedes it was a no-brainer to return to the Sydney Kings in a bid to help the franchise claim a rare championship three-peat.
Adams, who guided the Kings to the club’s first title in 19 years in the 2021-22 as the league MVP, is back for a second stint in the Harbour City after time in Serbia and China.
The former Milwaukee Buck could’ve continued his career overseas, but he says a few conversations with Sydney officials was enough to secure the deal.
“It didn’t really take much convincing,” Adams said.
“I talked to Chris Pongrass and Paul (Smith) a little bit, I also got to meet the new coach in Las Vegas at the NBA Summer League.
“I’ve always got options and it’s never down to zero, but it just made sense to come back to the Kings.
“The NBL is a league I know and a front office and teammates that I’ve already played with, so it was the best fit.”
As a proven high achiever, Adams was also drawn to the challenge of keeping the Kings at the top of the NBL.
It’s not easy to win three straight championships. Only two teams since 1979 have claimed a three-peat. The Sydney Kings in 2003-2005 and the New Zealand Breakers in 2011-2013.
The Kings have a chance to join the record books with a second three-peat – and Adams is keen to be involved.
“It’s definitely exciting,” he said.
“To see what we did winning the championship and to see them build on that last season, it’s great to even have the opportunity to go for a three-peat.”
A hamstring injury kept Adams out for Game 2 and 3 of Sydney’s championship games against Tasmania in 2021-22.
It meant he wasn’t on the court when the Kings sealed the title – a setback that club officials expect to fuel a sense of “unfinished business” in the guard.
Adams, though, insists he doesn’t need any extra motivation in his second season as a King.
“I still won a championship,” he said.
“I would have loved to play in those grand final games, but sitting there watching us win a championship was equally enjoyable.
“I’m not selfish, so it’s not like I feel some sort of extra motivation (heading into this season).
“I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of that team.”
Sydney will unveil last season’s championship banner and receive their rings in a special ceremony prior to Sunday’s home opener against Adelaide.
Adams is also pumped for the occasion given he had already left the Kings when the club unveiled the 2021-22 championship banner.
“I didn’t get to see a banner drop or a ring ceremony or anything like that,” he said.
“It’s a special feeling having your home crowd in your building and showing love.
“It’s also our first home game, so it will be a big occasion.”
SYDNEY KINGS VS ADELAIDE 36ERS AT QUDOS BANK ARENA, 4PM AND LIVE ON ESPN AND KAYO
Originally published as Jaylen Adams locked in on helping the Sydney Kings achieve NBL history
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