Here’s how Keli Leaupepe has proven himself as a starter for the Sydney Kings

With two double-doubles across round four, Leaupepe continues to show that he's a special rookie.

If you were unconvinced in the preseason of the seriousness of Leaupepe starting over Cameron Oliver when the regular season began, those thoughts have now well and truly been quashed. Whilst Oliver may close a lot of games, Leaupepe’s play as a rookie has been stellar in his own right.

On the broadcast ahead of Sydney’s round three game against Brisbane, Leaupepe said he wanted to be known as a ‘beast’, an ‘enforcer’, and a ‘two-way’ player, three things he has certainly achieved in quick time.

Credit: Dan Cowley Photography

Whilst the sheer size of Leaupepe has garnered most of the attention and talk so far, his ability to move his feet, switch, show and recover, and play with skill on offence has seen him put together strong all round production. The Kings have gone +32 with him on the floor, compared to -5 when he sits.

It’s true: he is a beast, as you’ll see on a bulldozing put back, or an offensive move made to look easy against either an undersized or a strong chested opponent.