The Sydney Kings’ interest in ex-NBA centre Isaac Humphries will prompt current big man Jordi Hunter to play with a “point to prove” in Wednesday’s sudden-death Play-in qualifier against the New Zealand Breakers.
That’s the opinion of former Kings captain Brad Rosen, who is tipping Hunter to dominate against the Breakers following revelations the back-to-back champions have made inquiries about Humphries.
The off-contract Adelaide centre recently hit a stalemate with the 36ers on an extension, opening the door for him to test the open market.
Code Sports has been told Sydney is considering Humphries for NBL25 following his standout season for the Sixers.
According to Rosen, though, the Kings should do everything in their power to retain Hunter as the team’s starting centre.
“Of course you have to look at Humphries, but if I was the Kings I’d be bringing Jordi back again,” said Rosen about Hunter, who has averaged 10.3 points on 60 per cent shooting from the field and seven rebounds this season.
“I can understand why Sydney would show interest in Isaac, but it’s a tough one because he and Jordi would both want to be the man in their team.
“That would make it hard to have both of them in one side.
“I’m expecting Jordi to play like he has all season against the Breakers.
“He can also knock down the three ball, he rebounds, he plays hard and is the anchor of Sydney’s defence.”
Rosen is also anticipating Hunter to have a spring in his step after impressing in his debut for the Boomers in two Asia Cup qualifiers over the weekend.
The Kings’ big man was particularly impressive in a big win over Indonesia in the early hours of Monday morning, Australian time.
Hunter stuffed the stat sheet in the 106-51 triumph, finishing with six points, eight rebounds, two steals and one block.
Rosen has been a big fan of the Sydney centre all season, saying he was “surprised” he wasn’t in contention for the NBL’s Most Improved Player award.
“Jordi has had a terrific season,” he said.
“He is the best screen and roller in the game, there is no question.
“I love him. He is a fantastic player and I think there is so much upside with Jordi in this Sydney team.”
Sydney must win two straight elimination games to even reach the final four, but Rosen still has faith in the men in purple and gold.
He hopes the Kings can beat the Breakers to set up another do-or-die clash against the loser of the Tasmania versus Illawarra clash.
“You don’t want the Hawks to lose to Tasmania because you want them to continue their fairytale charge, but imagine a knockout finals game between the Hawks and the Kings in Wollongong,” he said.
“That game and atmosphere would be phenomenal.”
2024 NBL FINALS:
Wednesday, February 28:
Seeding qualifier:
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks at MyState Bank Arena from 5.30pm (AEDT)
Play-in qualifier:
Sydney Kings vs New Zealand Breakers at Qudos Bank Arena from 7.30pm (AEDT)
