It is shaping as a hectic, career-defining two years for Australian basketball star Mitch Creek.
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He can't wait.
After eight successful seasons with the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, Creek is on the verge of realising his NBA dream, having signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
The 26-year-old will head to New York on Saturday to attend a training camp with the Nets, where he'll be vying for one of two vacant two-way contracts on their roster.
Also looming large on the horizon are next year's World Cup in China and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where an Australian team loaded with NBA talent such as Ben Simmons, Patty Mills, Thon Maker and Aron Baynes will be vying for a long-coveted major men's medal.
In the absence of most of the NBA guns, Creek has been a pivotal member of the Boomers squad in the Asian qualifying round for the World Cup.
"I plan to just try and take it all as it comes," Creek told AAP on Monday at the ticket launch for the two-game series between the Boomers and the United States in Melbourne next year.
"Adversity is one of those things that you need to tackle head on.
"My maturity and how I am as a man now has led me to a great point in my life, where I feel comfortable with anything.
"If I'm living out of a suitcase for the next two years but living my passion at the same time then life is pretty good."
Creek caught the attention of the Nets after impressing during a stint with the Dallas Mavericks in the US Summer League.
Brooklyn missed the playoffs last season after finishing 12th in the eastern conference with a 28-54 win-loss record, although they are expected to be stronger in the 2018/19 campaign.
The 196cm Creek is desperate to be a part of it.
"I don't like to say I'm an NBA player just yet. I prefer to say I'm a rookie development player," said the combative small forward/shooting guard.
"But I've got an opportunity and that's all that anyone ever wants in life.
"I believe in myself that I'm an NBA-worthy player and someone who can make any organisation better."
The pre-World Cup games between the Boomers and the United States at Etihad Stadium on August 22 and 24 next year will each draw capacity crowds of 50,000.
Australian Associated Press
