Kendric Davis: 'Kings best chance of making NBA'

• Sydney Kings secure All-NBL First Team guard Kendric Davis on a one-year deal for NBL26
• Davis joins recent signing Matthew Dellavedova, forming a dynamic new backcourt under coach Brian Goorjian
• Davis averaged 25.6 points and 7.8 assists last season, finishing second in MVP voting

Explosive scoring point guard Kendric Davis is taking his talents to the Harbour City for NBL26.

The NBL25 MVP runner-up joins Matthew Dellavedova, signed earlier this month, at the Sydney Kings in what will be one of the toughest backcourts in the league with Davis' ability to score the ball and Dellavedova's ability to facilitate and defend.

The fate of NBL25 point guard Jaylen Adams remains uncertain as he is out of contract.

Davis Makes the Move to Sydney

Davis, 25, arrives in Sydney following a stellar debut season with the Adelaide 36ers where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s elite guards. Davis was named to the All-NBL First Team and finished as runner-up in the MVP race after averaging 25.6 points and 7.8 assists per game in NBL25.

"At my age, I’ve been able to achieve some incredible things, and I just felt I needed that platform that Sydney can provide, to give me the best chance of reaching the NBA — which is my ultimate goal,” Davis said.

"The Kings have a legendary coach, strong roster, wonderful culture and amazing front office, and it just felt like the right move for me, especially once Delly signed," he said.

"Delly and I, along with coach Goorj and CP [Chris Pongrass], talked a lot during free agency, and we all thought a backcourt featuring us two guards, along with the pieces already on the roster, meshed really well.

"Not to mention, Delly has played in the NBA, so learning from him and being part of the platform the Kings provide [sending seven players to the NBA over the past seven years], just made sense, and I’m really excited to get to work and hopefully bring another championship back to Sydney."

The one-year deal sees Davis join a Kings squad loaded with talent and ambition, with coach Brian Goorjian at the helm and a front office focused on player development and winning culture.

A Championship-Ready Backcourt

The addition of Davis comes on the heels of the Kings’ signing of Australian NBA champion Dellavedova. The two guards are set to form one of the NBL’s most dynamic backcourts, blending Davis’s scoring ability and playmaking with Dellavedova’s leadership and experience.

The Kings have a reputation for sending players to the NBA, with seven making the leap over the past seven years. Davis is eager to follow in those footsteps, using Sydney as a springboard for his ultimate goal.

Davis’s Standout 2024-2025 Season

Davis’s numbers last season — and in China post NBL25 — were exceptional. He continues to deliver high-scoring performances, including a 43-point, nine-assist outing against the Beijing Ducks and a 39-point game against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

His efficiency was elite, shooting 61.9% from the field in that JackJumpers clash and hitting 5-from-10 from deep.

Across the season, Davis posted:

• 25.6 points per game
• 7.8 assists per game
• Multiple games shooting above 50% from the field, including several "on fire" performances above 60%
• Eleven or more assists on seven occasions, highlighting his ability as both a scorer and playmaker

Davis’s consistency and ability to perform in clutch moments made him a constant threat, with a string of 30-plus point games and double-digit assist efforts.

Sydney’s Stacked Roster for NBL26

Davis joins a Kings squad brimming with both Australian and international talent. The NBL26 roster includes:

• Matthew Dellavedova (NBA champion, Boomer)
• Xavier Cooks (Boomer, NBL champion)
• Bul Kuol
• Kouat Noi
• Jaylin Galloway
• Keli Leaupepe
• Tyler Robertson
• Shaun Bruce
• Jason Spurgin
• Klairus Amir

With this depth, coach Goorjian will have a wide array of options in both the backcourt and frontcourt, and the addition of Davis’s scoring and playmaking is expected to elevate the Kings’ offense even further.

Australian Impact and Development

The Kings’ move to bring in Davis, paired with the signing of Dellavedova, demonstrates the club’s commitment to both winning and player development.

For Australian basketball, the presence of homegrown stars like Dellavedova and Cooks, alongside high-calibre imports, ensures the NBL remains a premier destination for talent.

What’s Next for the Kings?

With the signing of Davis, the Kings have sent a clear message about their intentions for NBL26. The combination of proven Australian talent and explosive imports gives Sydney one of the most formidable lineups in the league to challenge the in-State rival and NBL25 champions Illawarra Hawks.

Coach Goorjian’s ability to integrate new pieces and maximise their strengths will be under the spotlight, but with Davis and Dellavedova leading the charge, the Kings are well-positioned for another championship run.

Adding NBA champion and basketball.com.au columnist Andrew Bogut as an assistant is another signal the Kings are determined to put their disappointing NBL25 campaign firmly in the rearview mirror.

As pre-season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Davis can adapt to his new teammates and system. If his NBL25 form is any indication, Sydney fans can expect plenty of highlights, clutch performances, and a serious push for the NBL title.

For more updates on the Sydney Kings, NBL news, and Australian basketball stars making moves both at home and abroad, stay tuned to basketball.com.au – your home for all things basketball Down Under.