Sydney Kings coach Andrew Gaze is leaving the door open for star American import Josh Childress to return to the NBL club.
Childress, who was an NBA No.6 draft pick in 2004 in played 391 NBA games, signed with NBA development team Texas Legends in March as he eyed a possible return to the big time.
However the 33-year-old's future still remains unclear and new Kings mentor Gaze, currently scouting for imports at the NBA summer league in Los Angeles, is happy to hold a spot open for him to return for a third NBL season.
"We really want to give Josh Childress every opportunity to consider where he is at and whether or not he will be a prospect to come back and join us," Gaze said.
In an otherwise disappointing 6-22 season for the Kings, Childress was one of the few bright shining lights despite missing 19 games through injury.
He averaged 21 points per game, along with almost eight rebounds and three assists.
And Gaze believes he could be dangerous for a Kings side quickly rebuilding its roster with the likes of league MVP Kevin Lisch and former Boomers Brad Newley and Aleks Maric.
"He's still very comfortable with Australia," Gaze said of Childress.
"He knows the country, knows the league.
"And that's a huge advantage when you think of an import player that can come in and have an immediate impact and doesn't have to go through any adjustment phases."
