I think Kay, Norton, Cotton, Brandt and Vague are the basis of a great team. Kay has been placing some very nice basketball.
I would be looking at locking in Terrico White as the second import.

Martin is a little long in the tooth, but I can't see him wanting to go elsewhere, management would be likely to offer him a year's contract
Wagstaff: Yeah, probably could have retired with Hire as I'm pretty sure he has a job as a consulting engineer and might wish to focus on that.
Jervis & Steindl. Unless an upgrade come along, no reason not to re-sign them.

They've got it pretty easy, I think. The players teams would target are under contract.

Try to keep White. Martin won't go anywhere. Jervis might as well stay - fits the system fine. Let Steindl go - not a Cats-style player IMO. Wagstaff has been one of my favourite players of recent years but seemed to slump enough that you wouldn't rush to retain, but he's earned it. Ask him what he wants to do and then give it to him. Might be a two year finale deal.

If White won't stay, there are a lot of players in that style. Third import spot up the sleeve if needed.

Kay, Norton and Cotton
Brandt and Vague
Martin
Wagstaff
Jervis off to Brisbane. Either retired or playing. Wife is in Brisbane.
Steindl will sign a one year contract.
Terrico White will sign a 2 year contract

Shawn Long will be the third import.

Then you'll have Bowen and Dech as the fillers.

Martin was on ABC radio this morning saying he definitely will play another year, but most likely max 2 more years and then he's done which is unfortunate as I think he can still provide a huge impact off the bench and leadership when the chips are down.

Wagstaff is due for a good year, he tends to alternate good and bad years in recent times. Sign him for 1 more.

Jervis I'd be happy to let go if they can get someone better, Hodgson or an import would be an upgrade.

Steindl, as above, keep unless they can get another better shooter.

Terrico, would be good to lock him up for a few more years.

I think this finals series shows that a group of guys who are close, with no egos and know their system inside out is the way to go in the NBL.

I would replace jervis with an athletic center. Thats the way the league is going with many other teams signing athletic centers. Brandt and a different type for versatility. Jervis had a good finals series but i cringe every time he gets the ball he fumbles a lot. And a rebounder/scorer to replace hire. Aussies of that type dont grow on trees so might need to use the third import

I would hope next year is the transition to Norton as the starting PG and Martin begins his next stage off the bench.

Jervis most likely will return, but I think Hodgson has a higher upside especially with Matty Nielsen coaching him.

I wouldnt be shocked that hte only change is Dech coming in for Hire.

Not a like for like fit, but Vague would be up for some more minutes per game, Steindl needs more minutes to hot form and when in form would be a great asset.

Not replacing the glue guy that Hire played so well, but Kay is that and more.

Dech has proven himself as injury replacement twice and should be rewarded, will be backup o Norton once Damo hangs up the boots.

Can Dech play 2 spot?

But would keep the rest if they want to stay, plenty to offer as proven this GF series and money would be tied up with Cotton, White (if he elects to stay on for a couple more years) and Kay

Get some youth earning more minutes to offset ageing Damo, Wagstaff and Jervis

Gleeson gone.

Is that a fact or a prediction? Your predictions re the Wildcats haven't been that flash this season.

The Norton over Martin transition might have progressed further had Norton not been injured.
I think it might be something like
Norton/Martin
Cotton*/?
White*?/?
Kay/Wagstaff/Vague
Long*/ Brandt

I'm playing along with Long theory only because I wouldn't mind him at Perth.
Wagstaff and Martin would resign on shorter term possibly cheaper deals. Steindl is ok but if you could get a younger guy go for it, Perth need more youth

Only major changes I see for Perth are replacing Hire with a young'un (maybe just Vague), and possibly replacing White. Otherwise I expect much the same for Perth with a ton of $$$ tied up in Cotton/Kay/Norton in particular.

Yes they'e just won their 9th championship, so clearly all the players are crap and need to be replaced. Changes will be minimal.

Was lovely to Jazze and their daughter at the GF, perhaps no surprise Tommy played so much better. Jazze remained in Brisbane because after moving to their with Tommy, she changed jobs a couple of times and just landed a good role with Suncorp. But they are both from WA, so can't see it being a long term lure.

So sure, replacing Brandt with a Shawn Long type might be an improvement, but It won't happen this year as he is contracted, and you're not going to find many better players prepared to come off the bench.

It would not surprise me if they brought in Dech for Hire. With the way the game has been going, they've tended to be a bit top heavy for a while. Clearly they see promise in the young man.

I suppose the first question is what Aussie players are there available who might be willing to come across? SEM will certainly exert a pressure on the local talent pool, and whilst the Wildcats are an attractive destination, their starting slots are mostly full. Maybe somebody like Pinder for a bench role?

We also have to remember the bench-cap. Hopefully Wagstaff will re-sign on reduced coin, so you've got:
Wagstaff
Jervis
Vague
Steindl
?????
Ideally Damo would also take a pay-cut and fit in there. Otherwise you're looking for a cheap option such as Dech or maybe Pinder, Ellis, etc.

Then your top 6 becomes:
Norton
Cotton
White (/import)
Kay
Brandt
Martin or ?????

TL;DR
Realistically they have one spot to fill, which depending on Damo's salary may be quality 6th man and/or 3rd import spot, OR may just be another low-paid bench spot.

Is that a fact or a prediction? Your predictions re the Wildcats haven't been that flash this season.

Only major changes I see for Perth are replacing Hire with a young'un (maybe just Vague)

"I would replace jervis with an athletic center. Thats the way the league is going with many other teams signing athletic centers."

Are those the teams that didn't win the championship?

"Some are going to get better money or more opportunities elsewhere, it happens every year."

This is true, and somewhat hard to predict.

We've got SEM coming into the comp, and there is always the possibility that Cairns and Hawks will get their allocations and have a bit more cash to spend.
Or the opposite effect, in which guys being offered lower money and bench time in Perth (Wagstaff, Steindl, Jervis) get offered more of a role (and potentially more money) inside the top 6 for someone like the Hawks or Cairns.

White will be interesting. He's a journeyman, and I'm sure there are better offers out there.

Not sure what Steindl's off-season plans are, but his wife Kayla is playing for Wanneroo

People suggesting replacing Hire with an import or anything that resembles a starter are dreaming. Most games he averaged less than 5 minutes so if you are bringing someone in you are getting a 5min quality player.

I reckon this roster won't change. Dech will be activated (I know he is on the roster but you know what I mean). Jervis, Jesse and steindle will get 1 year deals as no other teams will be chasing them (maybe Cairns who are becoming the island of misfit toys).

They'll keep the 3rd import spot spare just in case. If Jervis were to leave, I wouldn't mind Jameel McKay coming back as he won't demand massive minutes but does a role.

@koberulz; no kidding, I meant in the rotation.

I'm sure they'll toy with that idea of a 3rd import of the right fit comes along, but those who have said there prob won't be any changes apart from replacing Hire are probably right.

Terrico said he will decide closer to next season to see if he will return to the NBL, he said he loved his time in Perth and at the club, but it was too early to make a decision. Glad to see we want him back at least.

Senator11 - where did you hear/read/find out about that?

"People suggesting replacing Hire with an import or anything that resembles a starter are dreaming."

This is mostly true.

If Damo takes a pay cut, they might be able to squeeze somebody in, otherwise they're looking for a bench player on low to average (bench) money.
Even if they can, any import would need to be at best a 6th man type player, as their starting spots are taken.

Also need to keep in mind that Damo, Wagstaff, and Jervis are probably only a season or two from retirement. So where possible they want to bed in younger local talent. Dech, Pinder, etc

Damn, it was in the West Australian this morning, had a quick read while I was waiting for my coffee.

Thanks! Will check it out

"Damo ... probably only a season or two from retirement."

Yeah, but you would have to have a heart of cold, cold stone if you were the GM, called him into the office.....

GM: G'day Damo, nice to see you.
Damo: (pulls up a chair)
GM: Nah mate, don't think you'll have time to sit down
Damo: What about a nice almond milk, soy, decaf latte?
GM: Yeah, I could go one, but not for you.

GM: I have you contract here for next year....(points to space in air)
GM: Oh, I'm sorry, there doesn't seem to be one. Guards! Escort this man off the premises. Yeah, we've already cleared out your locker and thrown it into the dumpster.

Guards wrestle Damo to ground like he just threw an egg at a senator...

GM: Mmmm... I think these will look better on me than you (yanks off championship rings from fingers)

So proud to have a GM with balls.

I didn't realise Thanos was our GM.

@Jack Toft - That's how it would pan out if he was playing for Adelaide. Perth don't treat there stars like Creek ;) hehe

Hire's retirement opens up the 3rd import nicely, so there is no need to 'get rid' of anyone in particular.

I think they are keeping 3rd import slot up their sleeve for when Damo, Wagstaff, and Jervis all retire.

Brandt has a year left on his contract so he's staying. If they brought in a 3rd import I assume it would be a C and Jervis would be booted. If it was a Long calibre C then Brandt would have to move to the bench, if it was a Cooke/McKay level C then Brandt would continue to start. Prob the only other import consideration would be an Ingram like 3pt shooter off the bench, but does that make Steindl redundant? Always good to have shooters off the bench though these days.

What's this rumour Carey Suicide is going on about? He said on twitter if the rumour is true, then he's going to be a Cats supporter. Long?

No idea but the thought of having him as a fan rather than an enemy is frightening so I have very mixed feelings right now

Seems highly unlikely that we would chase a gimmick signing that goes against our main selection criteria.
Long, on the other hand ... that sounds like a solid guess to me.

Someone posted on his twitter comment, "Carmelo Anthony?", so I would say this is the only reason why 6PR mentioned this. He jerks over Long all the time, so I would say we must be in talks with him and that would prob mean Terrico coming back is unlikely. I'm fine with that, but they still need to use that 3rd import spot for a bench guy that can hit the 3 at a higher clip than Steindl if they were to go with a starting import C. Only other real FA's Carey would jerk about prob are Sobey (doesn't fit), Boone (doubt he'd take a pay cut and come off the bench), Wesley (no room with Kay), Kennedy (best fit to replace Terrico if he's not coming back).

Love Kennedy but I don't think he is what this team needs from an import. This season vindicated our decision to add a genuine perimeter threat, which DJ ain't.

Why not go for Long and White for it to work Jervis would retire or go elsewhere.
Martin and Wagstaff would sign cheaper deals potentially freeing up $$ for Long.
Bottom 5 would be Vague
Hire replacement,
Steindl?
Wagstaff
Martin.

Hogwash, possible in theory, but money would be tight to make it all work.

Gleeson has signed on for another 3 years, so at least we have a coach in place to start working on the squad for next season

Although I still think that Dech will be Hires replacement. Reward his loyalty to the club. Vague more minutes and keep 3rd import up the sleeve

be good to lock up Terrico for 2 more years to keep the team together.

Just have to get Clint firing consistently which I think he will.

If Perth didn't go with 3 imports this past season, I don't see them going on to add a 3rd high profile import like Long in 19/20. You're dreaming. If you're lucky White will resign for marginally more than he signed for last season, but more likely his asking price is up and Perth are looking for a similar guy at White's 18/19 salary to team up with Cotton.

If they were to get Long he'd be our 2nd import and Terrico would be replaced with someone cheaper as the 3rd import who can shoot 3's. You'd expect the league to improve again next season, and would feel Cats would want to fill that 3rd import role if a suitable player came along. I just feel they didn't have a 3rd import as they couldn't find the right fit.

I think Long is a great NBL player, really came along once he got to know the system. Possibly the best big man in the latter part of the season.

But it would be a strange fit.
Unless they think Brandt can help out at PF, which I don't feel he can, you'd basically be pushing him out the door.
Gus is contracted, and on record that he and his wife want to call Perth home. (And yes, they even bought a house ;-))
You can't expect him to play 10 minutes off the bench as Long's backup.
Jervis is the perfect fit. He stood up when it counted, and he's going to be happy to play out his career, at home, on the bench, for lowish salary, and whatever minutes he gets.
And why spend money, an import slot, and opportunity cost, on something that is really a luxury.

I can't imagine La La strutting her stuff in Perth, but somebody LIKE Carmelo would be a good fit.
If (and its a huge if) they wanted to use all 3 import slots, then what we need is a pairing of a 2/3 (like White) and a 3/4.
One option is to retain White as the starter, and bring in a 3/4 to effectively replace Wagstaff as the 6th man.

Long is very good and under-utilised in NZ, given his stretch capabilities may be priced out of our range.

A front court of Long, Wesley and Abercrombie should have resulted in a better record that what they got.

The other guy I didn't think about was Lamar Patterson? He'd prob be a better fit, than Kennedy. Terrico > Patterson > Kennedy in terms of fit for the Cats.

We've tried that backup import C in the past and it just didn't work with Cooke and McKay, so maybe if Terrico is gone, then they might try it the other way and have a starting import C and a bench SF import. Can Kay actually play starting SF, he definitely guarded SF, PF and C all year long? If you went Martin, Cotton, Kay, Brandt, Long, it feels too slow and unathletic, but then again the other team wouldn't get a rebound, Long and Kay can both shoot the 3 at reasonable clips too.

Anonymous
Within the hour

try recruit some WA guys!!

Yeah, like no other league in the world does.

Wildcats are speaking to Long right now. Jervis looks on the out. True, Angus is accepting to come off the bench which he doesn't mind, as Long gets into foul trouble and has the speed and strength to go with a PF so you might see Brandt and Long on the court at tyhe same time.

Stop talking sense, anon. Perth will sign White, Long, Melo, and have Cotton naturalize.

Also the winner of the NBA draft lottery will stash Zion in Perth for a season as a Next Star so that they can tank for a 2nd #1 pick.

Using an anon in case your opinions backfire...makes sense.

I guess it depends on where they want to add strength.
Starting 5, main rotation (7~8) or depth at the end of the bench.

Assuming they'll get White or an import like him to play SF, you'd have to say that if there is any weakness in their starting 5, its at either PG or Centre. Given they have Norton and Martin at PG, I guess that leaves Centre, and yes Long would be a great addition. But again, at the cost of Jervis and moving Brandt to the bench?

My personal opinion, and its only that, keeping in mind they just steam-rolled the next best team in the league, is that in the interests of improvement they should look to strengthen the rotation, with a 6th man type signing.

But it will be interesting to see what they do with Dech. I think he is earmarked for the backup PG role, when Martin retires. So the question is whether he gets a full-time gig next season?

Also depends on how quickly Vague develops.

Waxy is useless. Can get lazy. He should retire.

Don't need Waxy.
Perth have enough veteran presence if Martin and Wagstaff sign on.

Should be going youth with that spot eg Jesse Hunt type and be banking on improvement from Vague to offset the decline of Wagstaff.

Bump


Roster looking like
Norton/Martin
Cotton/Steindl
Import / ?
Kay/Wagstaff/Vague
? ?

Does White come back?
Do they get Long or another import centre?
Who is in contention for remaining bench spots?
What other local could they start at centre?

Unless they have their eyes on somebody LIKE a Motum, ie coming back from Europe, I'd assume they're going for an import Centre.
Long would be awesome. IMHO he was the best 5 in the league this season.
But as usual,we're obsessing over known players, when that usually doesn't happen with imports. More likely to be some unknown.

I'd love to see Reath back in Perth, but he seems to be doing quite well in Belgrade.
Sad that Tommy is leaving, and I have heard a rumour they are chasing a vet for the backup 5 spot. No idea who that might be. I personally don't think Jawai would want to come back.

I thought Pinder might be under consideration for the backup SF role, but not sure how he's doing in Warsaw.

and that was D2.0 reporting from our European bureau.

Terrico is not returning. Shawn Long looks likely to sign for the Wildcats.

Familiar face returning is Casey Prather.

Cotton, Prather, Long is the Wildcats imports.

How's Prather doing? Has he made it back from injury yet?

If it's not an import starting 5 man then it could be Bairstow.

I find the timing of these announcements interesting.

Usually IMHO, teams get out early in announcing departures for one of two reasons.
One, they're getting ready to announce the replacement.
Or two, the departing player is in serious negotiations to sign elsewhere.
(Or three, he was a pothead, and they're worried the news will leak.)

This ignoring the obvious scenario where a player has physically left on a plane (mid-season) and it needs to be explained.
Not applicable here because they could reasonably pursue off-season opportunities or simply travel.

Yet we're seen official (but vague) announcements of the departures of Brandt, Jervis, and even Nielsen,
with no reciprocal in sight?