Will Weaver signs as Lead Assistant Coach with the Houston Rockets of the NBA

The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings Head Coach Will Weaver was announced as the Houston Rockets Lead Assistant Coach today. Weaver departs the Club to join the newly appointed Head Coach Stephen Silas’ staff. The Kings granted Weaver permission to travel to the US to interview and have supported his ambitions throughout his time in Sydney.

Weaver joins a star-studded Rockets team, who have recently completed their eighth consecutive Playoff appearance. After beating Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets lost to the eventual NBA Champion the Los Angeles Lakers.

He also joins fellow-King Jae'Sean Tate, who was announced last week as the latest signing to the Rockets roster.

Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings owner Paul Smith was proud that the Kings had been able to play a role in Will’s pathway through to the NBA.

“In 2019 Will was the first appointment made in what was a sweeping commitment under new ownership to reshape and build this Club” Smith shared.

“Having moved his whole family to Sydney, Will’s eagerness to bring Lauren and Theo here and reside in Sydney year round, was as much about them being able to enjoy one of the greatest cities in the world as it was about his commitment to being fully immersed within the Sydney basketball community.”

“Will was halfway through a three-year commitment here when a number of opportunities arose for him, and we could not have been more supportive and encouraging of him to see what was on the table.”  

“While we are feeling a combination of happy and sad emotions today, the overwhelming feeling is that of satisfaction. We are proud to be a Club that helps people excel and achieve their goals, and we are thankful for the leadership and wisdom Will provided us all during his time here” Smith said. 

In his first season as Head Coach of the Kings, Weaver led the team to a Minor Premiership and their first Grand Final appearance since 2008. Weaver is known for his player development focus, basketball intellect, and his ability to communicate and craft meaningful relationships with his player and peers.

Weaver was recruited to the Kings in March 2019, following stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Long Island Nets – winning G-League Coach of the Year in 2018-19 – as well as being an Assistant Coach for the Australian Boomers. 

“I couldn’t be happier for Will, Lauren and Theo as they embark on this next step. In my opinion, Will is one of the premier coaches of our game, and I am not surprised that a lead role in the NBA came calling” said Kings CEO Chris Pongrass.

“I am lucky to have worked alongside such a creative and forward-thinking coach and see him implement the vision we had for this Club. On behalf of our players, staff, corporates, members and fans, we thank Will for his time with us and providing a foundation for the growth and development of our program. He will forever be a King.”

Following the official announcement which was made by the Rockets this morning, Weaver shared his gratitude to the Kings organisation, the NBL and Sydney fans following his time with the Club. 

“My family and I are so grateful to have been a part of the Sydney Kings. The support of the fans, players, staff, and ownership group propelled the team to a historic NBL20 season and has positioned the Club for many more years of success”. 

“Sydney could have felt very far from where we grew up in Texas if it wasn’t for the ongoing generosity of those who made us feel so welcome on basketball courts, beaches, in cafes and at Qudos Bank Arena. Thank you to the entire Kings family, many of whom will be our friends for life”.

“I’m grateful for the trust my colleagues, whether they were already Kings or joined us from their homes across Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Brazil, and the United States. I learned so much from every single one of our brilliant players, coaches, executives and staff. There is nothing better than being part of a team, and very few teams genuinely enjoy each other as much as we did”.

“Paul Smith and Paul Kind taught me so much about how to lead. In just one year, they have taken real steps towards building the most modern and most respected sporting club in Australia. At the same time they have created a place where people care about each other as much as they care about performance - something often talked about but rarely achieved. Great ownership is the biggest competitive advantage in sports and Sydney is fortunate to have great leaders like these”.

“For Lauren, Theo, and I, Australia will always feel like home - we look forward to supporting the NBL from Houston and returning again someday soon” Weaver shared.

Kings management has already begun the process for a replacement Head Coach as we approach the 2020-21 NBL Season. An update will be provided in the coming weeks.