Kingdom welcomes former MVP's return

The Sydney Kings have made what could be the biggest splash of the free agency period by signing former NBL MVP, Larry Sengstock Trophy winner and Washington Wizard Xavier Cooks to a three-year deal.

Cooks will return to the Kings following stints with the Wizards and Japanese side Chiba Jets, which came after his departure from the organisation following its NBL23 title triumph.

The 28-year-old linked up with the Wizards following the Kings’ second championship in two seasons, and appeared 10 times for the NBA side, one of which came in the starting five.

Since being waived by the Wizards he has averaged over 13 points and eight rebounds per game over 52 appearances with the Jets in the Japanese B. League.

"It's a surreal full-circle moment for me coming back to Sydney, as Brian Goorjian was the coach who brought my dad [Eric] out to Australia as an import all those years ago," Cooks said.

"Having already had the opportunity of working with him on the Boomers, I know he gets the best out of his players - including myself - and I can't wait to work with him on a full-time basis in Sydney.

"I can't wait to return to Sydney - it's become my second home.

"I've achieved some of my greatest basketball accomplishments in Sydney and I can't wait to make some more over the next few years with all the amazing Kings fans."

Prior to the announcement of the signing, Goorjian had named Cooks to Australia's extended 22-player roster for the Olympics, and the forward has survived the first round of cuts.

The pair also worked together during Australia's 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign, and Goorjian says the return of Cooks will help shore up the team's defence, which was found wanting at times last season.

"When I got the job here and after watching the Kings last season, the deficiencies of the team from the years prior were on the defensive end, which had a lot to do with no Xavier," Goorjian said. 

"He brings so many aspects to the court, even ones that don't show up on the box score, so when you take him out of the team and locker room, it leaves a big hole.

"So getting him back at the Kings was my number one priority because once you get a piece like this, this whole thing changes.

"He's one of those guys that people want to play with and elevates others around him with his energy and skillset - not to mention, giving us a chance to win."

Cooks has joined Bul Kuol, Izayah Le'Afa, Tyler Robertson, Keli Leaupepe and Jason Spurgin as new signings at the Kings for NBL25.