FOR just a second, it looked as if the Sydney Kings may have had their roster weakened for the upcoming National Basketball League (NBL) after the departure of some key players over the off-season.

It appears that will not be the case, with the reigning champions continuing to bolster their stocks with some proven talent over the past few weeks, highlighted by another big signing announced earlier this week.

The team will be adding Denzel Valentine on a one-year deal, who brings a wealth of experience at NBA level, and looks set for plenty of success in the NBL.

Valentine was the 14th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft for the Chicago Bulls, playing 236 games over four seasons with the team before stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz.

Most recently, he has been suiting up for the Maine Celtics in the G-League, where he has been looking to work his way back into the NBA, but that journey has now led him to Australia’s rapidly growing basketball league.

During his most recent season, Valentine posted 13.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and six assists per game, showing that he still has plenty to offer at 29 years of age.

Valentine was at his best during his time with the Bulls, competing extremely well against some of the best in the world, highlighted by solid numbers in his second NBA season. During that campaign, he averaged 10.2 points per game and started in 37 of his 77 appearances during that season. If he can get back to that level of play, he could be one of the strongest performers in the upcoming NBL season.

Valentine is a six-foot-four shooting guard who has shown plenty of offensive ability including a knack for knocking down a three ball. He appears a clear replacement for the departing Dejan Vasiljevic, who has been a key figure in the Kings’ success over the past few years, but the addition of Valentine softens the blow.

He will slot into the backcourt alongside fellow import Jaylen Adams, who also boosted Sydney’s chances at claiming an impressive third consecutive title. With DJ Hogg joining the team as well, the Kings have maintained their standing as the team to beat in the upcoming season, and now have plenty of experience to replace some of the big guns that left the team.