The Sydney Kings have signed NBA veteran and former champion Ian Clark for the remainder of the NBL season, replacing the injured Jordan Hunter.
The Kings have been shorthanded all season, losing both Jordan Hunter and RJ Hunter for the season, but have today announced they are filling the former’s spot with Clark, the 30-year-old from Memphis who has spent seven years in the NBA.
The @SydneyKings have signed NBA champion and 330 game NBA veteran Ian Clark for the remainder of #NBL22
— The NBL (@NBL) February 12, 2022
Clark arrived in the country this morning and will suit up for the Kings tomorrow 👀
More here ➡️ https://t.co/6veVcYAuZf pic.twitter.com/3I7qyC3sNm
Clark played for a number of teams during his time in the American league, most notably as part of the 2017 Golden State Warriors that won the NBA Championship.
He was also joined on this team by current Kings part-owner Andrew Bogut.
Clark has most recently suited up for Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association and will provide a veteran presence for a King’s team that is currently rallying to jump into the top four.
King’s CEO Chris Pongrass said that Clark’s addition came off the back of extensive search and that the American’s signing was ‘unprecedented’ for the league.
“We are thrilled to have Ian joining our organisation,” Pongrass said.
“Recruiting in an unprecedented and quite uncertain free agent market, we made sure we took a very measured approach to find the right player that will help this team win.
“Ian fits exactly what we were after.
“We were intent on bringing in another shooter and playmaker who can create for himself and others.
“The benefit of adding an experienced NBA veteran and championship mindset to our locker room cannot be overlooked.”
Clark will have little time to acclimatise to the team, entering Sydney’s lineup for tomorrow’s game against Brisbane after landing in Australia this morning.
The Kings are currently riding a hot streak, having won four out of their last five games, and now sit fifth on the ladder behind Tasmania.
Remember last night? @GloverAngus10 does 🎯 #WeTheKings #NBL22 pic.twitter.com/ProawITVS0
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) February 10, 2022
They are no doubt hoping that Clark's presence can give the team the boost it needs to truly become the championship contender that was envisioned at the start of the season.
