Boone joins the team as an injury replacement player, after David Andersen and Devin Williams both suffered knee injuries.

Boone touched down in Melbourne this morning and will suit up for his first game on Boxing Day, when the club takes on the Brisbane Bullets at Hisense Arena with the roof open.

Boone has most recently spent time in Europe playing in Estonia and Turkey where he won the Estonian Cup with BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn and was awarded MVP of the Cup Finals.

Melbourne United CEO Vince Crivelli said the club was pleased to have found such a high quality player to come in at this time.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Boone’s experience and calibre join us at such a pivotal time in our season.

“He brings a wealth of experience, both internationally and in the NBA, and we think Melbourne fans will enjoy the hard work and effort that we know he will bring in the absence of Dave and Devin.”

Boone was selected in the first round of the NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) where he spent four seasons (256 games) averaging 4.91 rebounds a game.

He then went on to play two seasons in China that included a career best game of 40 points and 8 rebounds before heading to Europe for three seasons.

An NCAA Champion, Boone is a strong defensive player with a giant wingspan that gives him added size. He is an athletic centre who fights hard for rebounds and loose balls and will be a great added presence inside the key alongside Melbourne bigs Majok and Wesley.

With both Andersen and Williams suffering knee injuries in the past three weeks, Boone will come in as a replacement with development players Tohi Smith-Milner and Kyle Adnam, who are spending time in the active playing roster.

Andersen and Williams are both expected to miss between three and six weeks.

Melbourne will play on Boxing Day against the Brisbane Bullets at Hisense Arena for the annual open-air clash in front of a sold out home crowd.