Could former Next Star return to NBL?

ESPN news breaker Olgun Uluc has revealed former Next Star Mojave King could return to the NBL next season.

King played for the Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers during his time as a Next Star from 2020-2022, before joining the G-League Ignite program.

He was then drafted with the 47^th selection in the 2023 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, before his rights were immediately traded to the Indiana Pacers.

King is playing for the Indiana Mad Ants, the Pacers’ G-League affiliate, but could return to the NBL next season if he can’t make an NBA roster.

“He will try to make their (Indiana’s) roster or get a two-way deal with the Pacers next season. They own his draft rights,” Uluc told The Marketplace.

“If he doesn’t get a two-way deal or doesn’t find a way on that roster, he will explore his options.

“There are NBL teams who will offer Mojave King a contract, so he is someone who was part of the Next Stars program, went to the Ignite, got drafted, and could be back in the NBL sooner than later.”

King played 56 games for the Taipans and 36ers.