The South East Melbourne Phoenix are closing in on the signature of a former NBA player to round out their roster for the season.
While they have started with a respectable one win and one loss record, coach Josh King has identified the need to fill an import slot after Belgian forward Vrenz Bleijenbergh parted ways with the club before the season tipped off.
The Phoenix are now close to finalising a deal with former NBA wing Wes Iwundu, according to ESPN reports.
Iwundu was drafted in 2017 by the Orlando Magic, where he spent his first three seasons and started a total of 46 games across that span.
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A five-year NBA veteran who also had stints with Dallas, New Orleans, and Atlanta, Iwundu built a reputation as a defensive-minded wing.
At 6'6" with impressive length, including a wingspan of more than seven feet at the 2017 NBA Draft, he has all the defensive tools the Phoenix are seeking to complete their roster.
Iwundu’s physical attributes and athleticism could allow him to make an immediate impact in the NBL at 30 years of age, bringing valuable experience with him.
Most recently, he played for Promitheas Patras in Greece, where he averaged 11.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game across all competitions.
If his contract is finalised, Iwundu is expected to slot seamlessly into Josh King’s system and could thrive in a fresh start in Australia.