Smith 'unbelievably happy' for Cooks' NBA opportunity

Sydney Kings chairman and owner Paul Smith has expressed his pride in league MVP Xavier Cooks for securing a two-year deal in the NBA - to commence after the NBL23 Championship Series.

It was announced this morning Cooks was set to link up with the Washington Wizards after a stellar two seasons in the NBL which have, so far, produced a championship, MVP and Grand Final MVP.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE KINGS' NBL23 FINALS INFORMATION HERE

Smith said he’s sad to see the superstar forward depart the team but remains proud of the Kings being a breeding ground for NBA talent.

“It’s very sad, it’s bittersweet of course, but we pride ourselves as a club that we’ve always put ourselves out there as an organisation and a program that wants to help players get better,” Smith said on RSN Radio.

“I'm unbelievably happy for Xavier.

“Our fifth player in five years has made that transition to the NBA, but this is an extraordinary one.

“This is a guy that came to us four years ago, he was injured, he was a fringe Boomers player that hadn’t, we thought, grown into what he could be.

“For him to get a two-year contract, guaranteed, no training camp, no hassle going into next season with the Wizards is an unbelievable result,” he said.

Cooks was born in Ballarat but grew up in Wollongong - similar to Smith. The Kings' owner believes the 27-year-old will have a memorable send-off to the States if they claimed the trophy this season.

“He’s a Wollongong boy like I am so it really sets it up for a compelling and interesting finalisation to the Grand Final Series and I can assure you everyone’s got their heads on straight. We want to go out a winner with Xavier,” Smith said.

“Wild horses, wild broncos, wild dogs wouldn’t keep them away from this one.

“I couldn’t be happier for the guy, I’m so proud of being on this journey with him to the extent I have,” he said.

Cooks and the Kings will host the New Zealand Breakers on Friday night for game three of the Championship Series, with tickets for the Qudos Bank Arena fixture, which tips off at 7.15pm AEDT, are still available here.