Struggling Sydney are poised to rush former NBA star Al Harrington into their line-up for Friday's NBL home game with Townsville after signing him as a short-term replacement for injured import Josh Childress.
Entering this week's round last on the ladder with a 1-4 record after losing four straight, Sydney moved quickly to cover the loss of Childress.
He suffered a broken hand last Friday in his first game of the season after recovering from a foot injury and is expected to be out for four weeks.
Arguably the best credentialled NBA players to come to the NBL, 206cm forward Harrington played for seven clubs in his 16 seasons in the world's premier club competition, averaging 13 points and five rebounds a game.
"It's great to get someone of Al's stature and experience coming in at this stage of the season under the current circumstances (Childress' injury)," said Sydney Kings coach Damian Cotter.
Harrington played alongside Childress in the NBA when they were both with Atlanta.
"He was the first person I reached out to when the team spoke of an injury replacement," Childress said.
Harrington had a short stint with Chinese club Fujian Sturgeons last year and announced his retirement in March 2015.
However, he has been coaxed back into action by Childress, who won't get to play alongside him once he recovers from injury unless Sydney cut their other import Marcus Thornton.
Harrington will arrive in Sydney on Thursday morning and is expected to train with the team that day and suit up the following night.
THE NBA JOURNEY OF SYDNEY KINGS SIGNING AL HARRINGTON
* Indiana Pacers (1998-2004, 2006-2007)
* Atlanta Hawks (2004-2006)
* Golden State Warriors (2007-2008)
* New York Knicks (2008-2010)
* Denver Nuggets (2010-2012)
* Orlando Magic (2012-2013)
* Washington Wizards (2013-2014)
Share
