Kenny Smith has been appointed as the head of Next Stars player program in North America for Australia's National Basketball League Next Stars initiative.

Smith will help recruit, develop, and mentor players in the league's Next Stars program.

"Legitimate pathways to the NBA are evolving, and the NBL has a proven track record of getting players drafted. The NBL identified a key role for me to mentor and support young talent and equip them with the tools to compete at a professional level with a view to making the leap into the NBA," said Smith.

Smith will also become a part owner of an NBL expansion team in the future.

Kevin Porter Jr. signed with PAOK in the Greek Basketball League for the rest of the season, sources told Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Porter, who was waived in October, reached a plea deal in a domestic assault case.