NBA coach: Cooks brings 'energy and athleticism'

Sydney Kings and NBL fans alike know just how talented Xavier Cooks is, but arriving in the NBA, he'll have to fight once again to prove his talents. 

The Washington Wizards know just what their new signing can do though.

The Wizards have been keeping a keen eye on this year's NBL MVP, and Cooks’ new head coach Wes Unseld Jr was quick to praise his latest addition. 

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"Another guy with size and athleticism. He's got the versatility, I think, to defend multiple positions," Unseld Jr. told NBC Sports. 

"He has energy, a lot of the intangibles. A lot of times when you need a shot in the arm, you want a guy who can get to those 50-50 balls. He's a dynamic roller, an underrated playmaker in the pocket."

Congrats @xaviercooks10 on achieving your lifelong @NBA dream today with the @WashWizards.

We’re all so proud of you ??#WeTheKings pic.twitter.com/PlIyxFjNOw

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) March 19, 2023

Cooks travelled to the US the day after raising the trophy as captain of the Kings' back-to-back Championship winning side. 

It wasn't long until he got his chance in Wizards' colours. 

He played a little over five minutes on debut on Sunday afternoon Australian time, pulling down a pair of rebounds and looking comfortable with the pace of the game. 

With Matthew Dellavedova lining up for the opposition, the Sacramento Kings, it was a special moment for the Australian stars. 

Welcome to the @NBA @xaviercooks10 ??? @matthewdelly pic.twitter.com/wlyX519rgs

— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) March 19, 2023