Preview: Will the Perth Wildcats regret not pursuing a Next Star?
Don't miss this story from Michael Houben.
Happy Friday, #AussieHoops fans!
Our story today has Michael Houben discussing the Perth Wildcats’ season so far, revealing the name of a lucrative American recruit the Wildcats turned down this off-season and whether the decision to not recruit a Next Star might potentially jeopardise their 2021 season pursuit for a three-peat championship.
Perth’s depth is being pushed to its limits. In an incredibly rare league occurrence, 19 year old development player Luke Travers has been starting for the team to begin the season. Beyond that, the rotation is filled out by Jarrod Bairstow and Kevin White; two players who likely would not be on NBL rosters, if not for Perth’s late need for bodies.
Some other names round out the regular playing roster: Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, another 19 year old who has played a grand total of 87 NBL minutes before this year, 33 year old Tom Jervis, who had not played in a professional game for a year and a half before this season, Jesse Wagstaff, the 34 year old ‘Mr Reliable’ whose production is starting to slow down, though his intangibles remain, as well as Clint Steindl. It could be argued that Steindl is the only above average bench player from that group of players.
In contrast, title favourites Melbourne United pursued every possible outlet in fleshing their roster out. Japanese-born Yudai Baba was brought onto the squad as a Special Restricted Player, and has been a strong bench contributor for the team so far. They also brought in college returnees Jack White and Mason Peatling, the former of which has been impressive enough to start and play a major defensive role. And while they didn’t end up acquiring a Next Star themselves, they did reportedly place a bid in for hometown kid Josh Giddey, as well an attempt to sign US-based Nazhiah Carter (before the publication of the nature of his suspension and subsequent backlash from NBL fans led to the deal being vetoed).
Don’t miss the discussion into potential Next Star candidates that could have swung the scales for Perth, including now-Adelaide 36er guard Josh Giddey, whether John Mooney should have been a Next Star, and more.
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