Adnam off to NBA mini-camp
They say everything is bigger in Texas.
For Kyle Adnam, an upcoming week spent in the Lone Star state might be the biggest yet in his fledgling basketball career.
Following some hot form on the court, the Nelson Giants point guard has been invited to attend an NBA mini-camp with the Dallas Mavericks.
‘‘It’s important I give it a red hot crack . . . it’s going to be a big stage but you’ve just got to have a bit of self-belief and drive,’’ the Australian import said.
The camp is scheduled for June 17-19. Adnam will fly to the United States after Thursday night’s home game against the Canterbury Rams and return the following week.
He will miss just one game – the team’s June 21 away fixture to the Manawatu¯ Jets at Whanganui. Adnam said he had contacted Mavericks staff in recent months but had received no official word regarding his attendance until now.
Aside from an exhibition match with Melbourne United against Steven Adams’ Oklahoma City Thunder last year, the camp would be Adnam’s first foray into the National Basketball Association – regarded as the toughest hoops league on the planet.
‘‘It’s about going in with a real positive mindset and try and take in as much as I can, be all ears and soak in the environment.’’
‘‘It’s the beginning of that journey and you’ve got to start somewhere,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s a goal of mine and the NBA is the standard for basketball around the world and the type of athletes and players in that league are absolutely incredible.’’
Arriving in the US on Friday, he will have a day up his sleeve to familiarise himself with the facilities ahead of the camp.
‘‘From what I’ve been told, there’s a decent number of guys coming over and working out.
‘‘I think it’ll be a really competitive environment where they put you a lot of game situations and scrimmages and then from there they select their summer league teams.’’
Adnam said he remained focused on the Giants ‘‘100 per cent’’ in their quest to win an NBL title this year, but was grateful to have the franchise’s blessing to attend the camp.
Giants general manager Bill Dahlberg said Adnam’s inclusion was another signal that the franchise was picking quality players who were capable of making a name for themselves internationally.
‘‘Once they get to be big, then they suddenly fall out of our budget and it becomes difficult to hold on to them – so for us it’s great to have these players at the beginning and allow them the chance to follow wherever their basketball path takes them.’’
Owned by American entrepreneur Mark Cuban and featuring 2007 NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki, the 2011 championship-winning Mavericks had their worst season in 20 years in 2017-18, finishing with 24 wins to 58 losses.