Kings sign NBA champion Ian Clark

The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings have signed NBA championship-winning guard Ian Clark for the remainder of Hungry Jacks NBL22 season. 

The 191cm versatile guard will come into the line-up for tomorrow’s clash against the Brisbane Bullets at Qudos Bank Arena and takes his place in the roster as an injury replacement for Jordan Hunter. 

Clark played 330 games in his NBA career, which was highlighted by playing a vital role off the bench for arguably one of the greatest teams of all-time, the 2017 NBA champions the Golden State Warriors, backing up one of the greatest shooters in the game, Steph Curry. He also played alongside Kings part-owner Andrew Bogut a season earlier. 

Hoops Capital and Kings CEO Chris Pongrass said Clark’s signing came after an extensive and considered search. 

“We are thrilled to have Ian joining our organisation.” 

“Recruiting in an unprecedented and quite uncertain free agent market, we made sure we took a very measured approach to find the right player that will help this team win. Ian fits exactly what we were after” Pongrass said. 

“We were intent on bringing in another shooter and playmaker who can create for himself and others. The benefit of adding an experienced NBA veteran and championship mindset to our locker room cannot be overlooked.” 

Clark last played for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association. 

Clark, a Memphis native, had a decorated college career leading Belmont University to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances (2011, 2012, 2013) and was last year honoured as a member of the school’s Hall of Fame. 

He went on to play with four clubs during his NBA career, the Utah Jazz, the Denver Nuggets, the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Pelicans. 

He was part of the Warriors outfit which on April 13, 2016, broke the single season record with 73 wins, eclipsing the 72 wins set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. 

The following season Clark and the Warriors would record a 4-1 series win over the Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals. The Warriors finished the playoffs with a 16–1 record, the best postseason winning percentage in NBA history. 

Fresh off the plane and straight into practice, Clark said it was exciting to be in the Hoops Capital. 

“I see this as an opportunity to win. I’m a competitor,” he said. 

“Everyone has welcomed me with open arms, and I see this as an opportunity to come in and help this group get wins. I can already see from practice they are a great group of guys. 

“This is one of the first times I’m one of the older guys and I hope I can help add some leadership and value from some of the experiences I’ve had in my career.” 

And what can Sydney Kings fans expect? 

“I’m a competitor. I play hard at both ends of the floor,” he said. 

“My skill is shooting but I’m not limited to that, and I see myself as an all-round basketball player." 

Clark arrived in Australia this morning and will suit up for tomorrow’s game at Qudos Bank Arena.  

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