Melbourne United has used its newly built connections to the NBA to sign Philadelphia 76ers draft pick Jordan McRae as its second import.

The University of Tennessee Volunteers star was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs this year with pick 58 then traded to the Sixers, who are coached by former Australian Boomers and NBL coach Brett Brown.

Handy acquisition: Melbourne United recruit Jordan McRae during his college days with Tennessee. Credit:Getty Images

McRae averaged 21 points per game in the NBA summer league this year and played so well that United feared the Sixers may sign him immediately, but unless injuries strike the NBA club, McRae should spend the NBL season in Melbourne.

United announced on Friday night it had signed the 198-centimetre guard-forward for the season but Fairfax Media believes the Sixers have retained the right to call him back to the US until early January.