July 7, 2023 11:41 am ET
Mojave King was selected with the 47th pick in the NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers but the 21-year-old plans to play overseas next season as a draft-and-stash prospect.
King, who was born in New Zealand, averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 48 games last season with the G League Ignite. He produced two double-doubles and shot 40.4% from the field, including 32% from 3-point range.
The 6-foot-6 guard was announced as a participant by the Pacers in the NBA Summer League, which begins Friday in Las Vegas. The decision to play with the Pacers in summer league, despite opting to play overseas next season, is often common for draft-and-stash prospects.
He addressed his future this week.
(I’ll) probably spend a year somewhere but I’m not sure where yet. (I’m) kinda just focused on summer league right now. My agent is kind of working on a couple of things behind the scenes but he’s not really bothering me with it. He just wants me to stay focused on the task here right now, which is preparation and then going into summer league.
Prior to signing with the Ignite, King spent two years in the NBL with the Adelaide 36ers. He also played one year at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia, and was teammates with Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey and New Orleans‘ Dyson Daniels.
King became the fifth graduate of the NBA Academy to be drafted, joining Giddey (2021, sixth pick), Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (2022, sixth pick), Daniels (2022, eighth pick) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who was drafted this year with the 24th pick by Dallas.
He seemingly has several options to consider when it comes to possible destinations next year, including back in the NBL or with a team in Europe. He wants to find the best option for his development.
My journey has already been different. I know everyone has a different pathway and everyone takes a different route to get to their goals. I’m not really set on one way or the other. I’m just looking for the best situation for me to develop and continue to grow as a player.
The Pacers tip off their summer league schedule on Saturday against the Washington Wizards (8 p.m. EDT, ESPN2). Their stint in the desert will give King the opportunity to get acclimated to their system and develop against some NBA competition.
He is eager to get started with his team.
“I can’t wait,” King said. “I think opportunities like that are pretty rare. (I’m) just excited to get out there with the boys and see how we stack up (against the competition).”
Originally posted on therookiewire/usatoday.com