NBA Rumors: A former NBA finalist wants to return to the league

Veteran forward Torrey Craig could return to the NBA once the season in Australia ends. The player, currently with the Sydney Kings, confirmed he is in talks with NBA teams to sign after the current season, although his immediate priority is to help the team compete for the title.

Craig, who has played over 500 games in the NBA, explained that his presence in the NBL also aimed to demonstrate that he can still compete at a high level and is ready to return to the league. The player himself acknowledged that his entourage is already in contact with NBA teams and the possibility of returning is on the table.

In his own words, his time in Sydney also serves the purpose of showing that, despite his age, he is still capable of playing at a high level and securing a place in the American competition. Before thinking about the next step, Craig wants to focus on the end of the season with the Kings, who are aiming for the championship.

A Long Career in the NBA

Born on December 19, 1990, in Columbia, South Carolina, Craig was not selected in the 2014 draft after his college years at South Carolina Upstate, where he excelled and was named conference player of the year in 2012. Unable to enter directly into the NBA, he began his professional career in Australia and New Zealand, playing for teams like Cairns, Wellington, or Brisbane. During that time, he was the MVP of the New Zealand league and the best defender in the Australian NBL, paving his way to the United States.

His NBA debut came in 2017 with the Denver Nuggets, starting a career where he has also been part of the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics. Throughout his NBA career, he has averaged around 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, usually playing as a defensive specialist and rotation player off the bench.

In the current season with the Sydney Kings, the forward is putting up numbers close to 13 points and nearly six rebounds per game, maintaining a good shooting percentage and showing that he can still contribute on both ends of the court. His experience, physique, and defensive abilities have been crucial for the Australian team, which trusts him to contend for the championship before the player decides his next destination.

At 35 years old, Craig is in the final phase of his career but does not rule out extending it in the NBA if the right opportunity arises. Discussions are already underway, and all signs point to next summer being pivotal in determining if the veteran forward returns to the league where he has played over half a thousand games.