Free Agency Analysis: Tom Vodanovich to Sydney

NBL Media’s Liam Santamaria continues his look at each and every signing, breaking down what it all means ahead of #NBL21.

Signed by: Sydney Kings 

The deal: Short-term injury-replacement

Age: 26

2019-20 team: New Zealand Breakers

2019-20 (per game): 1.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 43.8 FG%, 31.8 3P%, 66.7 FT%

Projected role: Back-up power forward

Quote: “A unique offensive talent, Tom can really stroke the ball and has shown that with his recent performances in the NZNBL. He is a gritty, tough player that fits exactly what we were after. I was surprised he had not already been snapped up on an NBL roster.” – Chris Pongrass (Sydney Kings CEO)  

My take: The Kings were forced to scramble when Xavier Cooks went down with a foot injury and, with what’s currently available, they’ve done well to find a serviceable replacement.

Of course, Vodanovich won’t really be replacing Cooks. That starting role will fall to fifth-year pro Craig Moller. Instead, the big Kiwi has been added to replace Moller as Sydney’s back-up power forward. His job will be to bring the juice in short spurts off the bench.

The 26-year-old won the position ahead of former Adelaide forward Obi Kyei and former Melbourne United forward Venky Jois, who last season put up 6 points per game in the NBA G League. The big reason why: Vodanovich can flat-out shoot the rock.

In the NZNBL last year – where Vodanovich took out MVP honours – he knocked down 4 triples per game at an impressive 45 percent. Then, in a COVID-impacted three-game stint in Luxemburg, he hit 5 a game at a whopping 50 percent! That kind of pick-and-pop threat will fit nicely alongside Sydney centres Jarell Martin and Jordan Hunter and will be especially helpful with veteran sharpshooter Daniel Kickert entering the season under an injury cloud.

One of the other keys for the Kings in signing Vodanovich was his ability to move his feet at the defensive end. They see him as a guy who can hold his own with strong fours in the paint but will also be able to switch reasonably well onto ball-handlers in pick-and-roll coverages.

The proof of the pudding, of course, will be in the eating. But after an up-and-down rookie season marred by controversy, it’s nice to see Vodanovich work his way back into the league. He’s worked hard, performed well and the Kings have rewarded him with another opportunity. Let’s see if he makes the most of it.