Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks to sign with NBA club

Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks will join the NBA at the conclusion of the NBL Championship Series, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Washington Wizards. 

The 27-year-old is expected to sign a deal with the Wizards to play out the remainder of the current NBA season, as well as the 2023-24 NBA season. 

The Wizards are currently battling for a playoff spot, sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 30-33 win-loss record. 

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Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass said the organisation is excited for the NBL MVP to get his well-earned chance in the NBA. 

"I speak for the entire Kings family when I say we are thrilled for Xavier to take this next step to the NBA and realise his childhood dream,” Pongrass said. 

“It is difficult to properly articulate the impact X has had on this club. His talent, leadership and innate desire to win completely shifted our trajectory these past four seasons. 

“It is obvious that he is an NBA talent and belongs among the best players in the world. 

“We thank X for his contribution to our club – he will forever be a King.” 

The Washington Wizards are signing Sydney Kings forward Xavier Cooks – MVP of the National Basketball League in Australia -- to a deal through the 2023-2024 season, his agent Daniel Moldovan of Octagon Sports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 5, 2023

The Wollongong product stamped his authority on the NBL by winning the Larry Sengstock Medal as the Grand Final Series MVP last year, leading the Kings to the 2021-22 NBL Championship over Tasmania. 

This season his form has not skipped a beat, with Cooks being named the league’s MVP for the 2022-23 season and leading the Kings to a regular season championship.

Cooks has averaged 16.2 points a game, 7.8 rebounds and 4 assists a game, but his impact on his team goes well beyond his on-court performance. 

Cooks becomes the 5th player in the past five seasons to leave Sydney to the NBA – joining Brian Bowen, Andrew Bogut, Jae’Sean Tate and Didi Louzada.  

The Kings are currently tied at 1-1 in the NBL Championship Series against the New Zealand Breakers with a big crowd expected for the crucial game three on Friday, March 10. 

You can book your tickets to Friday’s clash HERE