American big man Cam Oliver has signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Kings, sources told ESPN.
Oliver — who last played for the Zhejiang Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association — bolsters a Kings frontcourt that’s headlined by one-time NBL MVP, Xavier Cooks, and is the latest addition in what’s been a busy off-season in Sydney.
The 6’8 big-man joins Cooks, Bul Kuol, Izayah Le’Afa, Tyler Robertson, Keli Leaupepe, and Jason Spurgin (development player) as the Kings’ free agent signings under new head coach Brian Goorjian over the Australian winter. With Shaun Bruce, Alex Toohey (Next Star), Kouat Noi, and Makuach Maluach contracted to return, the Kings now have two roster spots — including one import opening — remaining.
The signing is a return to the NBL for Oliver, where he was among the league’s most productive and explosive players with the Cairns Taipans from 2019-2021. He was named to the All-NBL Second Team at the conclusion of his first season in Cairns.
Over his two seasons with the Taipans, Oliver averaged 17.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, shooting 51.6% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc.
Since leaving the NBL, Oliver has had two separate 10-day contracts in the NBA — with the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks, respectively — and spent time in the G-League, Israel, Spain’s Liga ACB, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and most recently China.
Oliver, 27, is a high-level athlete, with the Oakland-native filling the role of an interior presence and capable three-point shooter at the five-spot for the Kings. Goorjian’s team plans to fill their final import spot with a point guard.
The Kings’ opening game of the 2024-25 NBL season is scheduled for Sunday, September 22 against the Adelaide 36ers. The contest will take place in Perth’s RAC Arena as part of the NBL’s inaugural HoopsFest.