Brazilian-American centre Tim Soares has joined the Sydney Kings as the reigning NBL champions' third and final import for the new season.
Soares most recently played for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Summer League but only made it onto the floor for limited minutes in two of the five games.
The 211cm product of The Master's University enjoyed more time on the court in the most recent Israeli Basketball Premier League season, averaging 14 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks playing for Ironi Nes Ziona.
Soares adds depth to the Kings' big man rotation following the departure of American import Jarell Martin and looks likely to share centre duties with Jordan Hunter, who has recovered from the foot fracture that ruled him out of the Kings' championship tilt.
"I have only heard good things about the Sydney Kings program, and I am very excited about working with the staff," Soares said.
Soares shot at 54 per cent accuracy from deep playing in Israel last season, which will serve him well in a league as defensive as the NBL.
He said he had already been in contact with Kings coach Chase Buford ahead of the side's first game of the season on October 1.
"My strengths are definitely being able to knock down threes as a big man and play at a high, fast pace running the floor," he said.
"I've been able to talk with coach about ways I can improve. Becoming better defensively, working on the pick and roll, and being more aggressive on offence are all things I hope to improve in.
"I look forward to coach helping me in these things."
The Kings have now filled all three import slots on their roster, already confirming former NBL Defensive Player of the Year Justin Simon and former Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Walton Jr would feature in their title defence.
Chief executive Chris Pongrass said Soares brought huge potential to the Kings.
"Tim is still building his professional career and he's a player we think has a lot of upside that we can help elevate his game to another level," he said.
"He fits perfectly into our brand of Sydney Kings basketball and the up-tempo, exciting style of basketball our coach Chase Buford and his team have brought to the Harbour City.
"Chase's first priority is to get it done on the defensive end - between Tim, Xavier and Justin we will have the longest and most disruptive defensive trio in the league."
