Former NBA star Al Harrington is facing an immediate positional challenge with the Sydney Kings, but is confident he can bring aggression and spark a turnaround for the struggling NBL club.
The 16-year veteran of seven NBA clubs has joined Sydney as a replacement for his old Atlanta Hawks teammate Josh Childress, who will be out for at least another three weeks with a fractured right hand.
Coach Damian Cotter has indicated the 35-year-old American could well start Friday's NBL home game against Townsville, a match the last-placed Kings (1-4) need to win.
"I know right now we're struggling a little bit but we can start this turnaround tomorrow and that's what we expect to do," Harrington told AAP.
He refuted reports he had retired earlier in the year, but said even though he hadn't expected to play professionally again, he had stayed in shape.
Harrington expects to find himself in a position he hasn't played for a while.
"I know he (Cotter) wants me to play the three (small forward) and I haven't played the three in eight years, so that's going to be a challenge in itself tomorrow," Harrington said.
Asked what he will bring to the Kings, Harrington said said: "toughness, leadership.
"I watched the guys today, they are very fun-loving free-spirited guys, who I think are very receptive to learning.
"So I think it will be really easy talking to these guys and trying to get the right frame of mind to go out and win.
As to what the Kings fans can expect from him Harrington said: "I'm going to be very aggressive.
"Scoring the ball and trying to make my teammates better and also on the defensive end.
Childress, who tried out with Washington a couple of years ago when Harrington was there, has told him the NBL is tough and that as a former NBA player he will be targeted.
"People have been coming me after me my whole life, so I'm ready," Harrington said.
Cotter described Harrington as physical and skilled.
"He's really strong and he's quite big and I think he gives us some versatility which is what I love," Cotter said.
"You can see he's got a high IQ and really well experienced. He's going to help us at so many different levels."
While Harrington is only supposed to be with Sydney until Childress is fit again, he could be retained beyond that if the Kings then decide to cut their other import Marcus Thornton, who is shooting at just 30 per cent from the field. Cotter stressed it was far too early to make any decision on that import spot.
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