Kings salute Bruce after storied seven-year run

The off-season has only just begun for the reigning champion Sydney Kings, but the club is already shaping its roster for NBL27 following the announcement that Shaun Bruce will depart.

“Brucey has given everything to this club from the moment he arrived, and we are proud of what we have achieved together,” Kings co-owner Luc Longley said in a statement.

“What he has achieved with the Kings, on and off the court, is something very few players can claim. He has three championships under his belt and will go down as one of the greats.

“This decision has been incredibly difficult because of who Brucey is as a person and as a teammate.

“We know that he has a bright future and he will always be a part of our Kings legacy. We wish him and his family all the best for their next chapter ahead.”

The 35-year-old veteran secured his third championship with the Kings during a seven-year tenure, becoming an invaluable contributor both on and off the floor.

A Horsham native, Bruce has played 378 career NBL games since debuting with the Cairns Taipans in 2012.

“Sydney will always be a special place for my family, and it will bring me a lot of pride to return to Qudos Bank one day with Vee, Rocky and Rio to see the three banners we were able to raise together,” he said.

The Kings will now turn their attention to strengthening the backcourt alongside the returning Matthew Dellavedova, with a two-year deal reportedly on the table for Kendric Davis, according to Olgun Uluc.