New Kings Recruit: "I'm a Winner"

As every pre-season progresses the reigning champions are always the benchmark for the chasing pack.

With the acquisition of NBA-veteran Derrick Walton Jr by the Sydney Kings, that prospect has been made that little bit harder for opposing sides.

Announced as the Kings’ first import for the new season barely a few weeks ago, the playing style of the six-foot Walton is a throwback to the traditional floor general. He fits the bill as a pass first ball-handler who thrives in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Averaging almost a double-double a game in the G-League last season at 16.8 points and 9.4 assists, Walton is making a concerted effort to add more to his game. 

“Being a floor general is cool, but I think I’m going to try and be a little more diligent in trying to display how I can score the ball,” Walton told Basketball News.

“I’ve been working on that a lot more ... just trying to be more aggressive.

“Earlier in my career I was a little more 'reactive,' but overall, I just think I'm a very even-keeled guy for everything I've been through … the older I got and each time I dealt with a different situation I handled it with a bit more maturity.

“I'm a winner man. I put winning before all … I want to be a pivotal part of winning. I feel like everything else will take care of itself. Individual goals fall in line with winning for me.”

After going undrafted in 2017, Walton's NBA career has taken him to Miami, Los Angeles and then back to his home town of Detroit.

He finished last season as the assist leader in the NBA’s development league, once again showcasing his potential to succeed at the pinnacle of basketball.

While his goal is to get back to the NBA, Walton says he’s excited to make a name for himself in Australia.

“I feel like obviously I know I'm an NBA player. I feel like I would be a really good backup point guard,” he said.

“At this point I just want to go somewhere where I'm valued. If that comes back full circle, then I would take it.

“As far as now, I want to just make sure I'm enjoying the game as much as possible [and] being in the best situation every single chance I get.”

While the upcoming NBL season will offer a new challenge for Walton, the guard isn't a stranger to plying his trade internationally. Short stints in Lithuania, Germany and France have punctuated his career to date.

The 27-year-old says he's happy to engage with the challenge the NBL's start date presents.

“It is new. I kind of came to grips with [not being in the NBA] probably two weeks ago,” Walton told Basketball News.

“I’m usually not really geared all the way up back until September or so, but it’s a good setup. I have no complaints.

“Whatever the situation, the schedule, I’m going to go in with a wide smile ready to go.”