NBL23 MVP Xavier Cooks to join Washington Wizards in NBA

The Sydney Kings announced on Monday morning that NBL23 MVP forward Xavier Cooks will join the Washington Wizards in the NBA on a two-year deal.

Cooks is expected to play out the NBL Finals for the Kings before joining the Wizards for the remainder of the current season as well as the 2023-24 season.

Cooks has been in incredible form for the Kings in the 2022-23 NBL season, averaging 15 points per game, making 57% of his shots from the field, and posting more than three assists and seven rebounds per game.

The Kings forward will join a star-studded Wizards roster that includes Bradley Beal, a three-time NBA All-Star and overall third pick of the 2012 NBA draft.

The NBL23 MVP will likely join the forward rotation alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma for Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr.

The Wizards currently sit in 10th position in the Eastern Conference of the NBA, just two games ahead of the Indiana Pacers.

Washington will be fighting during the back end of the season to maintain their top-10 status in order to take part in the play-in tournament for the NBA Playoffs.

Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass spoke about the excitement around the organisation for Cooks to make his mark on the NBA.

“I speak for the entire Kings family when I say we are thrilled for Xavier to take this next step to the NBA and realise his childhood dream,” Pongrass said.

“It is difficult to properly articulate the impact ‘X’ has had on this club. His talent, leadership and innate desire to win completely shifted our trajectory these past four seasons.

“It is obvious that he is an NBA talent and belongs among the best players in the world.

“We thank ‘X’ for his contribution to our club – he will forever be a King.”

The Kings are currently battling the New Zealand Breakers for a chance to become NBL champions for the second year in a row.

Sydney lost the first game of the NBL Finals in Sydney before travelling to Auckland and winning game two.

The Kings will host the third and fifth games of the NBL Finals at Qudos Bank Arena, needing only those two wins to defend their 2021-22 title.

Online bookmakers have the reigning champs pegged as $1.50 favourites to win Friday’s clash in Sydney, with the Breakers as $2.63 outsiders.

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