THE Sydney Kings impressed throughout their 2018/2019 campaign, asserting their dominance with commanding wins but not doing enough to make it to the big dance. But with some big off-season recruiting and a relatively stable line-up the Kings could be fan favourites heading into the season.

Position: 3rd
Percentage: 87.07%
Win-loss: 18-10

2018/2019 Overview:
The Kings left no stone unturned throughout last year’s campaign, working hard down the court to create that overlap run and capitalise on the burst down the court. They exploited space in the key, often firing in bounce passes to an open player allowing for an easier shot while also happy to take the three point shot, making them a well-rounded side. Led by veteran Andrew Bogut the Kings were composed with ball in hand and worked it round to force an opening. Bogut was a clear force to be reckoned with off the boards with the 213cm commanding presence completely dominating, averaging a whopping 11.75 rebounds per game with the next closest Brad Newley with 4.64. Jerome Randle was the number one problem for opposition teams with a team-high average of 18.7 points per game, and if he was not putting up the shots he was setting up attempts with 4.26 assists per game proving his worth across the court. Kevin Lisch also plied his trade with an average of 14.15 points per game to add to his 3.22 assists per game while teammate Deng Deng proved to be a certainty with ball in hand sitting at 67 per cent from field goals. The Kings only lost a couple of players at the end of the season with the likes of Tom Wilson switching codes to play with Collingwood in the AFL, while Kyle Adnam has moved to new franchise South Melbourne Phoenix.

Projected shining light:
With an already solid team capable of causing harm with their punishing game play, work off the boards and the addition of Melbourne United recruits Casper Ware and Craig Moller, the Kings could go one better and claim a drought-breaking premiership. Ware is renowned for his hustle and skill to speed down the court and hit the scoreboard with ease, making him a huge pickup for Sydney. Although Moller may not be as flashy as the 177cm guard, he uses his height and general basketball know-how to have an impact on the floorboards and picking off the rebounds. The off-season recruiting of Kuany Kuany could also pay dividends for the Kings with the former Taipans forward making the move down south. His extra height and experience could add to the depth and stability of the line-up and give them that boost to go all the way in 2020.