Kings sign Valentine as final import for NBL24

The Sydney Kings are set to have one of the competition's most dangerous backcourts in NBL24 after announcing the exciting signing of former NBA lottery pick Denzel Valentine. 

The 256-game NBA veteran joins the Hoops Capital club on a one-year deal - completing its roster for the fast-approaching NBL24 campaign. 

"[What attracted me to the Kings] was the opportunity to play at a first-class organisation and give myself the exposure of one of the fastest-growing leagues around the world," said shooting guard Valentine.

"Even before this amazing chance presented itself, I'd seen how big the league had been getting via social media - not to mention how many guys had played in Australia, and Kings in particular, and vaulted themselves into the NBA – which I hope to do myself after winning another championship for Sydney. 

"Combine that with the Kings' history of winning and the exciting opportunity to live in Sydney – and visit a country I’ve never been to – was too good to pass up.” 

GRAB YOUR TICKETS TO THE KINGS' HOME MATCHES NOW

Born in Lansing, Michigan, Valentine started his basketball journey at JW Sexton High School before transitioning to Michigan State University - where he enjoyed a stellar career between 2013-2016, including being the first player in school history to be recognised as the National Player of the Year by the Associated Press as well as a consensus First-Team All-American and  National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Player of the Year in 2016. 

During this time, he also helped the United States claim bronze at the 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto. 

This saw him selected with the 14th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft with the Chicago Bulls, where he spent five seasons.

He then had stints with NBA franchises the Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz, before spending the 2022-23 campaign with the Maine Celtics [affiliate to the Boston Celtics] in the G-League.

With this kind of pedigree, it’s easy to see why Valentine’s signing is such a coup for the harbour city club. 

“With six years of NBA experience under my belt, I’m confident I can bring plenty of intangibles, including leadership, winning and what it takes to play at the highest level, to the club,” said the 29-year-old.

“Anything I can do to help the team succeed, I’m willing to do – especially helping build on the amazing club culture in Sydney. 

“I’ve had a couple of chats with Mahmoud [Abdelfattah] about how he wants to deploy me on court and he wants to use me in a variety of different ways while also allowing me to play my natural game. 

“With the team we’ve got assembled, I’ve got no doubts we’re all going to put each other in the best possible position to succeed.” 

Watch the club's tickets on sale video via Sydney Kings' YouTube channel above. While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

Coach Abdelfattah is equally excited to bring someone with Valentine’s pedigree into the purple and gold system. 

“Anytime you can bring someone of Denzel’s talent and experience into your team is exciting and I honestly believe his leadership will be invaluable to the younger guys at our club,” Abdelfattah said. 

"He can impact the game in so many ways, with his ability to play make for himself and others, as well as rebound - not to mention his 39 per cent shooting from downtown and the variety of ways he can score the ball.

“He’s such a unique player because I feel he can play anywhere from one to four, both on offence and defence – especially with his ability to rebound the ball.” 

BECOME A SYDNEY KINGS' NBL24 MEMBER NOW

Valentine’s signing is the Hoops Capital club’s 14^th ahead of NBL24, alongside Jaylen Adams, DJ Hogg, Alex Toohey, Jonah Bolden, Shaun Bruce, Angus Glover, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Jordi Hunter, Sam Timmins, Makuach Maluach, Jackson Makoi and Klairus Amir - with only two potential development player spots left to fill. 

“Having a backcourt duo like JA [Adams] and Denzel at our disposal is great, especially as they complement not only each other on the court but the rest of our roster,” Abdelfattah said.

“Our entire roster is full of talent, and I can’t wait to work with the group, as we try to bring more success to Sydney.” 

Stay up to date with all the harbour city club's off-season news here.