Beat me to it lol

How does this signing rate? His 3pt % looks pretty average.

NBL 2018 has the most diverse surname lineup I've ever seen.

He's not a fantastic 3 point shooter. Arguably, neither was Prather.

He has the ability to knock it down though. He will just need to make the shots when needed as Cotton will carry that 3 point load with Steindl.

He brings more length and athleticism to the cats

Are they likely to keep Steindl? They would need to drop either DKD or Lucas Walker.

I like Steindl's chances now that Walker is out.

If Walker was here DKD and L.Walker would be safer.

Steindl would be a better bench scoring option than Hire... DKD was very aggressive on the weekend and looks to have taken his game to the next step.

Called it two years ago anon. And then in July again straight after Walker got injured.

So was there anything exceptional about him, or was it just that people said that the Wildcats would sign him?

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/jp-tokoto

Scouting report from two years ago, quite worried about his shooting.

If Cotton goes down, not sure who else we can rely upon like we used to with Prather.

Well he has elite athleticism and comes from one of the all-time great college programs...

But yeah, I'd be shocked if we didn't keep Steindl now.

Gifted perimeter defender

I think over the years they've found that it puts bums in seats.

I don't think they'd do a Sydney and get a player that's all flash and no substance.

But they go for the athletic players these days a lot.

His numbers compare slightly favourably to Prather's from his d league stint. More steals per game and a marginally better 3pt shooter. Looks like the cats sacrificed some offence but gained some defence.

Tokoto played 12 minutes for 2ppg avergae in the D League finals, I struggle to see how it is a good signing. Needing a secondary scorer behind Cotton they get a defender with athleticism...

No one was singing Prather's praises when he arrived. He developed his game nicely. in the past two years.

People read too much into numbers some times.

Watch film. It gives a more accurate depiction of a players potential.

The off-court stuff works in his favour too. Very mature, family orientated etc.

Prather wasn't amazing from 3pt land. He was the athletic penetrating finisher we needed after DeAndre Daniels didn't work out.

All the NBL haters who say good dunks never happen in the league will be eating their words this season.

What I find odd is that the Wildcats made a big point about Devondrick being a great shooter and how he will help space the floor for others (Cotton) to operate, and how integral he has become to their game, yet they bring in someone with less shooting credentials.

Anyone else think this is odd?

Its like last season, they felt they needed more from the 2 position and decided to let Johnson go and bring in single skillset Ingram.

What I find odd is that the Wildcats made a big point about Devondrick being a great shooter and how he will help space the floor for others (Cotton) to operate, and how integral he has become to their game, yet they bring in someone with less shooting credentials.

Film (highlight reels you've watched on youtube) mean nothing! I could make a video of the C grade social comp to make it look good.

Good insight into him in this 2017 article:

http://www.themonitor.com/sports/article_0caca1b0-14fc-11e7-92b1-47b802aa5d6c.html

"We didn't have access to Steindl when we signed Devondrick"

Would having mere 'access' to Steindl make such a difference?

There is a big jump from having access to actually signing him.

Firstly someone needs to get booted, who?

Secondly, would Steindl accept less money? Or is there even any money to pay Steindl? Hard to imagine he would accept DKD or Waxy money.

Most of Tokoto's hype comes from a combination of his athleticism and the school he attended IMO, and he's basically been an underperformer since HS, so we'll see... Could end up being another Prather, but I'm not as excited about him as some of the other new imports this year.

People getting their feelings hurt over fun times and cool aid.

If you throw enough crap against a wall, something's gonna stick.

My crap stuck.. I'm claiming it, running with it. Hate all you want.

Just like Lavar we spoke this into existence.

Stay in yo damn lane anons haha

I don't think Jaron Johnson would have been a flop as a 3 man in fact i think he would have done really quiet well, he was never a two guard, ever.

From all the sources that have reported the signing it seems clear the wildcats preferred targets had more shooting, yet weren't interested in the offer. At this point you take the best available player, possibly a better defender than Prather and a guy that if nothing else can slash like a mad man on offence. His mechanics don't look broken and his highlights do show some nice footwork (although not the most natural) and touch from midrange.

It is clear the guy is putting in work on his offensive game, time will tell.

Little side note we forget last year was the first year devondrick Walker shot at such a high clip from three, there was potential for that to return closer to the mean.

To be honest I'm more interested in what the cats decide to do with Steindl.

That is the tougher decision. He's a more developed than DKD and has the shooting prowess the cats need and Gleeson loves now that Walker is out.

Steindl played big minutes in the two pre-season games and was a focal point of offence. He also delivered. So how can the cats realistically fit him in?

If any team would axe a guy for Steindl, it's the Cats. I expect it to happen.

Probably a sign that they had Steindl's name on his singlet? Other teams barely manage to get their actual new players' names on singlets in the pre-season.

If his partner is playing locally, then he's likely to be easier to negotiate with. Otherwise, having to poach him from afar (from Cairns, say) would be more expensive. The different could easily be $20k+, at a guess.

BO did you even watch the preseason games? DKD actually had more shots than Steindl, brought the ball up and ran some plays and was aggressive on the reg. How bout you stay in yo lane?

It will be interesting to see the spin they put on axing Waxy for Steindl, especially after signing Waxy early on and making a deal of him doing all the work last season when he wasn't a full roster player and he earned his spot this season...

Not saying that it's the wrong decision, but always enjoy a cold-hearted Perth axing :)

Was at the pre-season games in person.

DKD clearly had the green light to impress, but Steindl was much more polished and impressive.

I'm a fan of DKD, but in a cut throat world you would take Steindl.

I stayed in my lane, for that whole new 26km stretch of Forrest Highway with the average speed-limit cameras. Didn't even realise they weren't officially on until today though.

B.O steindl wasn't the focal point on offense, I was at both the games, he is a role player used purely as a catch and shoot man. I've always been a big fan of Steindl but DKD was far more of a "focal point" on offense, he used his pace to push the ball in transition, showed he is capable at getting to the rim and finishing or even making plays from the paint. He showed a lot more than I was expecting, he even showed his ability to defend by reading passing lanes and putting pressure on the ball carriers.

^I agree with you on DKD being the focal point and everything he showed. His upside is there.

What I'm trying to say is Steindl played his role very well. Looked comfortable and contributed right away. And was doing all the things DKD would usually do in the cats system.

Which is why I'd take Steindl over DKD. For that improved immediate impact - if that makes sense.

@ anon 645910;

Yeah, I do say it like it's a bad thing... or at least, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I mean, I completely get why Perth would do it - I rate Steindl and think he should've easily found a home post-TSV in the NBL - I just think it's another example of Perth's "wins over all else" motto, which I'm sure is 100% fine for most Wildcats fans.

No ones perfect. Except Anons. They are exceptional.

Its a tough decision between DKD and Waxy.

Steindl is more advanced and experienced than DKD, but DKD is developing nicely and showed glimpses of what he is capable of. He's got a nice catch and shoot which the Wildcats took advantage of last season. DVD doesn't seem to force it either so he's got a good head on his shoulders.

Waxy is probably the more expendable skills wise, that would be an easy choice. However, he won the Coach's award last season and seems to be a good locker room team mate. Then there is the Matt Knight issue, he will be injured again and Waxy could cover in spurts (he is not a natural 4 but can offer rebounding and effort).

Not sure what the Wildcats fans prefer though.

Interesting tidbit from the Wildcats news article:

"Tokoto's signing comes a fortnight after Walker fractured his foot and was placed on a long-term injury waiver."

Sounds like Tokoto will be here until Walker is ready to return, if he recovers in time.

"I just think it's another example of Perth's "wins over all else" motto"

You make it sound like the Wildcats are sacrificing young virgins at the alter to win favour with the Hoops Gods.

When you say 'above all else', what is the very worst they have done? They cut Mathaing Muo after his rehab year to bring in Ernest Ross, but paid him out in full for the next 2 seasons.

They cut Jaron Johnson twice, as embarassing as that was, is it really an 'above all else' move especially given his substance positive result?

On the flip side is there any 'high ground' for sticking with your squad no matter what?

Hey the Wildcats won the championship but stuff having the banner, the Sixers win Best Friendliest team of 2015/16 for sticking with Ebi Ere.

Hey the Wildcats won the championship but stuff having the banner, the Sixers win Best Friendliest team of 2016/17 for sticking with Terrance Ferguson.

Best Friendliest Team - LoveBroker, some of your best work. ;)

"Sounds like Tokoto will be here until Walker is ready to return, if he recovers in time."

If Walker is healthy mid season and Tokoto is a flop, ofcourse they will release Tokoto and inject walker back into the side bearing in mind Walker will need to be available in time to allow him to play the minimum number of games prior to finals (unlikely). But if Tokoto performs and the cats are rolling there's no way they would risk bringing Walker back even if he can meet the finals requirements.

IMHO though I don't think JP is going to be a standout performer on the offensive end and this is what the cats need, so unless he improves on that end of the floor whilst defending to the standard we know he's capable of, I think we will see Walker back in the lineup if he has a faster than anticipated recovery.

Yeah players aren't included in the salary cap when they're placed on injury waivers but just unlike the Wildcats few teams can afford to keep a fourth import hanging around as obviously they would still be paying him.

It's a bit crazy but he's said to be a good friend of Cotton's so he might've demanded it.

"but just unlike the Wildcats few teams can afford to keep a fourth import hanging around as obviously they would still be paying him."

Wouldn't Walker be paid from his own professional insurance?

Exactly Lovebroker, Insurance will cover him while injured.

Why you apologising for?

"So many insurance experts on here. Source for assumption?"

You don't have to be an insurance expert to know that most players would have injury insurance. Injuries are a fact of life in this sport and having that continuance of income becomes important.

Do I know JP Tokoto has insurance? No not 100%. Do the Wildcats have to pay for a player that is not on their roster? No they don't.

Where's Dazz when we need him. He would have the facts I'm sure of it ;)