Isaac Humphries returns to Sydney as a King
After being unexpectedly waived in Summer League by the Washington Wizards at the very last minute, Isaac Humphries took time out to regroup and decide on his next move, and returned to Australia.
According to Fox Sports Australia's Olgun Uluc, Humphries' agent, Daniel Moldovan, has confirmed the youthful big man will be making his professional debut at the NBL, with the Sydney Kings.
The Sydney Kings also officially announced the signing shortly after.
Humphries reportedly received other offers from various European leagues, including the Adriatic League --where Jonah Bolden played last season-- among others, but decided to return home to Sydney.
“Isaac was presented with a number of options over the last few months,” Moldovan said. “From the (NBA) G League, to Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, and Serbia, but after evaluating all options, the situation in Sydney ticked all the boxes.
“The opportunity to play alongside three Boomers in Brad Newley, Kevin Lisch, and Jason Cadee, as well as be coached by Andrew Gaze seemed like the perfect first stop for him.
“He has very lofty goals. He is only 19 years of age but is already so skilled. Every NBL team has a high level 7-footer on its team so it’s going to be a great challenge every night and I’m sure many NBA clubs are going to be following him very closely.”
Kings head coach, Andrew Gaze has expressed his enthusiasm on Humphries' addition to the team.
“We are really pleased Isaac has made the decision to join us. We want to assist him become the best player he can be and reach great heights, and in turn we believe he can help us in reaching our ultimate goals here in Sydney. He’s a Sydney guy and it’s a great story to have him come back to his home town and play professionally”, Gaze remarked.
[Read: The two-man game: A look into the NBL, and Europe as NBA pathways]
Humphries' decision to join the NBL does not deprive him of any NBA-level attention. International scouts took the effort to make their way down to Australia last season for Terrance Ferguson, and Isaac Humphries, despite not being drafted in the recent 2017 NBA draft, will likely remain on the NBA radar, especially if he proves his worth and takes a leap forward on what were deemed to be his weaknesses: three-point shooting, defensive versatility (especially on the perimeter), and athleticism.
The Kings, who missed the NBL playoffs last season, will definitely look to make a comeback, with the addition of Humphries and new import forward Perry Ellis.
[Read: 2016/17 NBL Season in Review: Sydney Kings]
Humphries contract with the Sydney Kings will contain an NBA exit clause.