Sydney Kings import Cam Oliver still harbours NBA hopes
Sydney Kings recruit Cam Oliver believes he has returned to the NBL a more well-rounded player and hopes his growth can springboard him back to the NBA.
American Oliver has joined the Kings’ front-court four years after bidding Cairns Taipans farewell to join the Houston Rockets on a 10-day contract – his first of two brief NBA stints.
Since then, the 28-year-old has played in Spain, China, the Philippines and Puerto Rico before impressing across two hit-outs under new Kings coach Brian Goorjian.
Oliver most recently landed what proved the decisive free-throw on a three-point play to ice the Kings’ 88-87 victory over fellow heavyweights the Perth Wildcats on Friday night.
In his first NBL stint, Oliver was named in the All-NBL second team as he helped take the Taipans to within an inch of the 2019/20 championship series.
But he says he has returned a more “well-rounded player”, better equipped for leadership on a Kings outfit hoping to bounce back from an early exit from the 2023/24 post-season.
“When I was here before I was young, I still had some maturing to go through but I definitely showcased the talent and who I am,” he told AAP.
“But I think me being older, being mature, I went to the NBA, I went overseas and other places like that, I think I grew in a lot of areas that I wasn’t showing as much when I was here before.
“I think I kind of have it all together now. I still have some learning to do.
“(But ) I think I’m a well-rounded player, showing a lot more leadership and maturity in my game.”
Oliver credited his previous NBL stint for launching him to the NBA, where he played six games for the Rockets and Atlanta Hawks between the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
He says “hopefully” he will attract attention of NBA types during his one-year Kings deal.
“This was definitely the place that springboarded me into the NBA. If it happens again that will definitely be a great blessing,” he said.
But Oliver is remaining focused on his day-to-day work with the Kings, who host local rivals Illawarra Hawks in the first game of the freeway series this Sunday.
“(In me) you have a very complete player that’s willing to learn, willing to work hard and do whatever it takes in each variety of ways,” he said.
“I think I’m showing that in a lot of ways, I think I’m in a great group that’s going to help me to do that, I think I’ve got a great coach.
“We’ll see how it goes from there.”
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