Keifer Sykes in the NBA

The connections between the NBL and NBA continue to grow. The success of former South East Melbourne Phoenix import guard is an example of the Phoenix's ability to give players a platform to chase their NBA dreams.

Sykes chose to spend the NBL 20/21 season with the Phoenix instead of heading to Europe because in part he saw it as his best chance of getting back to the NBA.

(Keifer Sykes spent the NBL 20/21 season with the Phoenix.)

On the back of his season with the Phoenix, Sykes scored a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers, starting the year in the G league he was last week elevated to the Pacers squad for the remainder of the NBA season, announcing his arrival with a 22 point, 4 rebound 6 assist performance in the basketball mecca that is Madison Square Garden.

“Having that game the other day at MSG, it was truly incredible. I think it is also credit to the program that Simon (Mitchell) and Eric Hollingworth have put in place throughout the Phoenix.

“It was a clear sort of pathway for Keifer, him and his agency identified it early on that that’s the path they are wanting to take as what they thought would get Keifer to achieving his goal.

“It’s great to see it come to fruition,” Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer praised in Thursday’s Zoom presser.

(Sykes against the New York Knicks at MSG.)

Sykes has well and truly made the most of his opportunities, starting the last two games, and currently averaging 10.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists. However, with an increase in minutes in the last three games those numbers are even more impressive with the point guard sitting on averages of 16.6 ppg, 3.3 rebounds and 5.3 apg.

“From a personal and club point of view, could not be more excited and happy for Keifer.

“There’s plenty of players out there who are blessed with opportunity on opportunity due to their size or athleticism or whatever it may be, and you just love it when you see a guy like Keifer who’s done it the tough way,” Greer said.

(Sykes still keeps in contact with Phoenix coach, Simon Mitchell.)

Sykes still keeps in contact with Mitchell, messaging before his game against the Nets, and talking about how he was looking forward to the upcoming game against a returning Kyrie Irving and Australian basketballer Patty Mills.

“I’m not surprised he’s doing what he’s doing, it’s a hell of a lot easier to score for in the NBA than it is in the NBL. Just looking at all that space for him…in the first half against the Nets.

“I was just thinking, man I wish we could create that with the NBA rules, but he’s doing wonderfully well and really happy for him and his family.

“I just hope that more players see the NBL as a pathway similar to the way that Keifer did,” Simon Mitchell said.

Kadek Thatcher for Phoenix Media (7/1/22)