Legend backs former MVP

Legend backs former MVP

Friday, October 10, 2025

sydney kings

NBA champion Aron Baynes believes Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks will be back to his best very soon.

Much like his Sydney Kings, one former MVP has made a slow start to the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season.

But NBA champion Aron Baynes is confident Kings forward Xavier Cooks, who is averaging 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, can regain his best form in the near future.

"It's going to be interesting in Sydney with so many ball-dominant guys but [I'm sure] we haven't seen the best of [Xavier] Cooks yet, although we've seen a few small glimpses," former Brisbane Bullet Baynes said on Friday's episode of NBL Now.

"He is definitely the best offensive rebounder in the game in Australia, let alone one of the best in the world at getting offensive boards.

"You saw he had a few possessions there in the last game (against Melbourne) where he was able to make himself useful down on the offensive glass and you know there was one possession, in particular, that stands out where he got three offensive rebounds by just out jumping guys quickly.

"It's one of those things that when he can do that, he adds a dimension that no one else can do in Australia at his level.

"And just trying to get the ball in his hands more often would be something that allows him to get going [more often].

"They've got Delly (Matthew Dellavedova) and [Kendric] Davis who also want the ball in their hands, it's an interesting one for Goorj (Brian Goorjian) and Bogues (Andrew Bogut) to try and figure out how they're going to maximise everyone's potential."

While Cooks' last-up showing against United of 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks was promising, the 30-year-old former Washington Wizard is currently 1/15 from the free-throw line this season.

Cooks and the Kings are in Adelaide on Saturday night, taking on the 36ers from 8pm AEDT, live on ESPN.