NBL high-flyers South East Melbourne have bolstered their bid for a maiden championship with the addition of title-winning guard Ian Clark.
Clark won a championship with Golden State in 2017 during a 330-game NBA career and has enjoyed success in the NBL with Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne United.
He won another title with the Kings in 2022 and was named the Australian league's best sixth man in 2024.
The 34-year-old has played in Puerto Rico since leaving United at the end of last season and joins a Phoenix team sitting second on the ladder with a 13-6 record.
Clark takes the roster spot that opened up when fellow American guard Hunter Maldonado, who has since been scooped up by Brisbane, was released last week.
SEM basketball operations manager Simon Mitchell said Clark's experience would benefit coach Josh King's team in their march towards the post-season.
"Ian brings great championship experience as well as plenty of scoring punch and creativity when we play in the half court," Mitchell said in a statement.
"As a club, we have lofty ambitions which are shared by Ian, and we think his addition can assist us in realising them.
"To have Ian join us is a great thing for the (club)."
Maldonado, after averaging 8.9 points, 4.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 16 appearances for the Phoenix, joined the struggling Bullets as an injury replacement for fellow import Dakota Mathias.
Sitting second from bottom, the Bullets are led by interim coach Darryl McDonald after parting ways with Stu Lash last week.
McDonald said Maldonado's size, versatility and readiness were positives with Mathias (shoulder) facing two months on the sidelines.
Christmas closures mean Maldonado, who will be courtside for Brisbane's Saturday clash with Melbourne United, is still awaiting visa clearance to suit up for his new club.
"I've really enjoyed playing in the NBL – the physicality, the level of competition, and the passion of the fans make it a special league," Maldonado said.
"It's a place where you're challenged every night, and that's helped me grow a lot as a player.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my journey with the Brisbane Bullets and excited for this next chapter. I'm ready to come in, work hard, and do whatever I can to help the team win."
