KD: 'I hate some things that went on in Adelaide'

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Shots fired.

NBL star Kendric Davis, 26, has slammed his perceived treatment by the Adelaide 36ers after NBL25, claiming he was "treated bad" before signing with the Sydney Kings in April 2025 for NBL26.

"I don't like how things was," Davis said on NBL Overtime.

"I don't like how I was treated in Adelaide.

"It's no secret, like I felt like I was treated bad. And when they wanted to treat me good, it was because of the mark I made.

"So yeah, I got extra spice for that. I hate some things that went on in Adelaide."

And that extra spice will be on Saturday, October 11 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre at 7.30pm when the Kings roll into town to take on the 36ers.

Kendric Davis 2024-25 Snapshot

• ‍Signing: July 18, 2024 – One-year deal
• ‍Stats: 25.6 PPG, 7.8 APG, led NBL in assists
• ‍Suspension: Two games for spectator incident on Nov 17
• ‍Awards: 36ers Club MVP, Members’ Choice MVP, All-NBL First Team
• ‍Contract Dispute: Reportedly rejected offer; club disputes claim of ghosting; according to the club, they initiated talks on February 11, 2025, held negotiations on February 14, and had ongoing communication — contradicting Davis’ claims of a months-long hiatus
• ‍Departure: Joined Sydney Kings on April 21, 2025

NBL legend Derek Rucker and Damon Lowry debated Davis' exit and the 36ers signing of five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton.

"I spent some time with Kendrick in Houston, and he is such a dynamic and open guy, and I'm kind of getting to know him better," Rucker said.

"And I think there might be a little bit of a chip on his shoulder as well. He's trying to get to the NBA also. And when you look at how Adelaide have gone about their off season going out and getting Bryce Cotton, that's a little bit of a slap in the face.

"When a big time player leaves, you kind of hate to see them sign one of the best players in NBL history."

Lowry retorted: "I don't think it was a slap in the face really. I just think it was bad management.

"Cause the exit is gotta be just as important as the entry. When Kendrick Davis came over here, when I'm sure when Matt Western was recruiting them, they was singing all the nice songs to him. And then towards the end of that season, now all of a sudden contract negotiations, they kind of fell apart a little bit.

"And that's what upset Kendrick."

Davis has also made no secret of his goal to make it to the NBA and believed Sydney offered him the best opportunity.

"At my age, I’ve been able to achieve some incredible things, and I just felt I needed that platform that Sydney can provide, to give me the best chance of reaching the NBA — which is my ultimate goal,” Davis said.

"The Kings have a legendary coach, strong roster, wonderful culture and amazing front office, and it just felt like the right move for me, especially once Delly signed," he said.

"Delly and I, along with coach Goorj and CP [Chris Pongrass], talked a lot during free agency, and we all thought a backcourt featuring us two guards, along with the pieces already on the roster, meshed really well.

"Not to mention, Delly has played in the NBA, so learning from him and being part of the platform the Kings provide [sending seven players to the NBA over the past seven years], just made sense, and I’m really excited to get to work and hopefully bring another championship back to Sydney."