Hoops

Wildcats 16/17

Ah yes, more non-contributions from Kobertroll and his anytroll friends

Have you ever thought of just posting a blank box?
It would contribute just as much to the discussion, and would save you the effort of trying to use words

"koberulz does nothing but nitpick and Dazz does nothing but spew endless waffle that deserves to be nitpicked. Its a painful 1-2 punch."

I think they sued to be very special freinds - but Dazz left Kobe for a crazyer Wildcats fan boy

your so right - what a stupid team

Best big man Wildcats have had for years
Best small Forward the league has seen in a decade
Best point man in the league nad grand final MVP

yeh what absolute crap of ateam

having Prather and Ennis is tha same starting 5 is a stretch but they both deserve to be there.

Garlepp Ill give you is a strange choice but at least hes from WA so its better than everyone calling for Lisch.

As for the bench - well its a bench isnt it
same with Ellis - hes from WA and is better than Hire

Ah yes, more non-contributions from Kobertroll and his anytroll friends

Have you ever thought of just posting a blank box?
It would contribute just as much to the discussion, and would save you the effort of trying to use words

TFG you are only a serious fan boy Dazz.
Stick to posting so often which is equally as bad and please never ever let you comment on picking an ideal team again.

Please never get into a position where you have the power to actually pick a team.

My ideal team would be something like this:

Knight / Jervis
Garlepp / Ellis
Ennis / Wagstaff
Prather / Beal
Martin / Kenny

With the exception that I'd like to pick up a young guard like Cadee to replace Kenny as the backup PG

Yeah, I think we would need to lose TWO player for Ellis to get a spot.
I suppose the question then is, if we lose one big (say Shawn retires) would we rather have Hire or Ellis?
Both had better seasons LAST year IMHO, although Hire had less opportunity this season.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Nate.
If he doesn't return, I think we could be looking at something like this:

Knight / Jervis
Import PF / Wagstaff
Ennis (or Prather) / Hire
Import SG or Beal / DK-D
Martin / Kenny

For the import PF, I'm thinking somebody LIKE Conklin at his best. Or yeah, roll the clock back and get a younger version of Redhage.

For the import SG, (assuming Lisch happy in NSW) I'm thinking a player LIKE McRae (but again without the attitude.)

If Beal naturalises (or we get Lisch) drop Kenny and move Dolla to the bench to backup the 1/2.

It would also be intriguing to ponder whether we could make a "slashey" team work.
Beal 1/2
Prather 2/3
Ennis 3/4

Loughton is contracted to Cairns.

Don't be surprised if a certain Alex Loughton replaces Redhage if he retiers.

I'd like to see Knight return to the PF position and Perth either retain Jawai or get a similar import to fill his void. If they go that path then there really isn't any room for Ellis. The only way we would see Ellis in the team is if Wagstaff decides to go elsewhere or Knight starts at the 5 spot.

Currently yes, but Ellis has future potential. If Redhage retired, Ellis would be a good replacement on the bench, but that still would not alleviate the logjam.

Wagstaff is twice the player Ellis is.

Ellis would be a great fit if redage retires. Redage should be given a coaching position or eleventh man if that eventuates.

Who would you prefer in your team, Cody Ellis or Jesse Wagstaff?
Wagstaff looks to of reached his peak, Ellis has improved a fair bit since arriving in the NBL. I wouldn't mind seeing Ellis in Perth colours but we are already loaded with PF's with Knight, Wagstaff and Redhage(unless he retires).

Article in the West (2 days back) also raises questions over Jawai, Redhage, and Prather.

But centre Nate Jawai, import Casey Prather, and veteran Shawn Redhage may not be in Wildcats colours next season.

Jawai is expected to explore his options in Europe, while Prather might test the waters in the NBA.

Redhage, 35, hasn't ruled out retirement

Interesting that Cody Ellis has returned to Perth yet again, to play for his Dad at the Senators.
Doesn't seem as "settled in Sydney/ NSW" as some might think.
Could he be eyeing off a place on the Cats bench?

Also, Corbon Wroe has signed on there too, making it seem like he is sticking around, at least for now.

Article on the West states that "everyone is out of contract" with "Martin, Wagstaff, and Jervis all having player options."
Jervis is the only one that I think might be tempted to leave (depending on what happens with Jawai.)

Interesting to watch and see who is re-signed in the next 2 weeks before free-agency commences.

No Jawai - no championship

Lisch is better than Beal. I have no doubt on that point.
However just as I would be flabbergasted if Damo left Perth, the reciprocal applies to Lisch.
So Dolla is the starting point for next season. Are there better SGs out there, obviously, but whether we could find one and get him to Perth is the question.

A lot of posters totally underestimating Jawai and the influence he had on key games.

He forced other teams into constant double teams, plus he really changed how teams approached the key at the other end. Game 1 - Pledger in foul trouble early and Jawai just gave the O focus.

I really hope he stays as Perth with Knight & Jervis is a perfect place, as he can play limited minutes.

Yes it would be nice for him to play greater minutes, however that's what you get ...a player who is going to be a massive impact player - the other team would spend massive amount of planning in how to negate him.

No Jawai - no championship.

Id be very happy if the club could keep all its players for this season for next season.

He'd be perfect for Sydney. Fits all of their criteria for a recruit.

Dolla Beal is out of contract.
His performance this season, whilst exceptional in parts, has fallen away from previous seasons, especially his consistency and accuracy. Part of the problem could be that for large parts last year and
early this year our strategy was "when in doubt, pass it to Dolla."

I think I speak for most Perth fans when I say that I love Dolla and hope he stays, but if Lisch wanted to return I would volunteer to drive Beal to the airport.
Lisch is a pipe-dream, but just making the point that there are better SGs out there, but its a matter of finding them. I'd also imagine, that if Perth did replace him, there would be other teams interested in signing him at the right price.

Greg Hire's position is interesting. He's not exactly a critical player, but he has played a good role off the bench, and whilst he struggled recently he has had some really good games this season. His problem has been that with the addition of Jawai and the logjam on the bench, he's played less minutes than even when he was on the comeback from injury. Plus some of those minutes he's effectively played out of position, having to backup the 2 spot.

Most interestingly I think his place will be most impacted by whether Redhage retires and/or whether Ennis returns (unless somebody makes Wagstaff a stupendous offer to take him out of the equation.)

Perth have kept Dexter Kernich Drew around, he's actually there in the back of the Victory photo. He's too old to be a DP, so I imagine Perth may be looking for a bench spot for him next season.

Matty Knight is one of the pre-eminent big men in the league, as evidenced by his selection to the 2nd team.
He's out of contract, and I would not be surprised if other teams were very interested.
With the way teams seem to be going now, two big guys up front and a smaller SF on the wing, its hard to think of team where he wouldn't be a good fit.
But you also have to consider that he'd be looking for a 2/3 year contract and he is almost 31.
He's had one of his healthiest seasons, missing only one game, and increasing his minutes fractionally. But in the past has been injury prone. His minutes aren't bad for a PF.

Nobody likes to think of good players leaving, but I would not be completely shocked if Knight was replaced. I say that only because the Cats will necessarily cast their eyes around to see who might be available, and if they found a better player in an import or a returning Aussie, Matty would have plenty of offers.
(He's a Taswegian, so there's no "go home" factor, but that won't stop other teams being interested.)

Naturally I hope that doesn't happen, and my gut says it won't, but stranger things have happened.

Jesse Wagstaff has a player option of a 3rd year on his current contract.
With the introduction of Jawai, his minutes actually dropped fractionally this season, but he's still around a 20 minute player.
Would other teams love to have him on their bench? I'm sure some would. Would anyone make a big enough offer to lure him away? Presumably he's only going to opt out of his contract if offered a lot more money and/or a starting role with a lot more minutes. Who's going to offer that? Maybe the Hawks if Oscar retired, maybe Crocs. Sydney might as well keep Garlepp.
Don't get me wrong, I think serious questions will be asked of Jesse this time next year, when he's out of contract, but for now I don't see him turning down the 3rd year.

At worst Damian Martin has a player option to exercise, however it was reported (by Boti) at the start of the season that he had signed a whole new contract to take advantage of reduced points.

His wife is former Waves (now the Lynx) player Brittany Morgan. Yes, she is a Perth girl, (Willeton Tigers IIRC) and Yes, Damo announced her pregnancy live on National TV.

The Cats are as capable as any team of paying him close to what he deserves, whilst still maintaining a winning team around him. Plus he wouldn't be a good fit for some teams who need a high-scoring PG.

Plus, yeah, 3rd ring with Perth, GF MVP, 13,000 chanting fans? There's no offer in Australia that would make him give that up.

We are now the defending basketball champions of the NBL, but with big off-court changes rumoured to take place in the off season - what will the 2016/17 defending champions look like?

I gotta say, my skepticism on the 2015/16 season was proven wrong. The Wildcats "ageing" core proved they still have what it takes.

The addition of a capable wing (Prather) and the capital X factor of Jawai showed this team still had lots left under the hood to win it all.

Can they do it again?

If we kept the team exactly how it is, and managed injuries then I think the cats would have what it takes to go back-to-back.

However, contracts are up, there's a new team and new salary cap, player point rankings and a third import spot could change things up massively.

While early last season I questioned if it's time to "blow-up" the core which seemed to have plateaued, this season I'm leaning towards the need to keep the core in-tack and build around our guys, as it's easier to fixs gaps and weaknesses then start fresh.

Pretty excited to see what the 2016/17 lineup will look up come October/November.

Damn, she is? *drops straws* bugger...

ok, Plan B...

... having said that, yes Shawn is getting on. Matty is as well.
I don't see Jesse moving, he seems very content here. You never know for sure of course... he is someone who should certainly be a target for other clubs.

His wife is a Perth local and yesterday he announced to the Arena that she is pregnant. Good luck getting her to move. I think a meteorite strike at Wildcats training is probably the more likely scenario for Damo not suiting up with Perth next season ;)

Where would we be if there weren't crazy dreamers in the world, paul? :)

The chances are slimmer than slim, I know, but until he locks it in, I'm gonna be thinking outrageously positive...

And it was an example of how things could blow up... One or two players "leaving the band" could be all it takes to add to the temptation for some other players to think to try something new... Where's Damo's missus from? Do either have any west coast ties other than great team mates to keep them that far from family and friends when they've got a little one on the way? #ClutchingAtStraws

Am I alone (as a non-Wildcats fan) that I hope this is the off-season that they have a huge rebuild on their hands? It's probably part bitterness, part jealousy but also part curiosity to see how they go with not having to just sign one or two players...

Hypothetically...

- Redhage could retire on top with another ring...
- Wagstaff could chase some more coin and a starting role on the East Coast...
- Damo & Matty (x2) could be up in purple & gold...
- Nate could try his luck OS after a rehabilitating off-season...
- Kenny could even head back further east...

That would require a complete re-think, that no doubt they'd still land themselves in the playoffs, but it would make things a lot more interesting... I doubt that Perth fans really mind a boring off season if it means another playoffs/grand final berth or even a championship, but I think now's the time for a shake up :)

Depends how he pulls up next season. If he can only give you two or three games a year it's not worth it.

His back needs serious rest apparently, but beyond that having an off-season to get in shape can only help.

Depends how he pulls up next season. If he can only give you two or three games a year it's not worth it.

His back needs serious rest apparently, but beyond that having an off-season to get in shape can only help.

I really can't get my head around the changes that might come if ALL those proposed rule changes are implemented...

But if we just consider the 3rd import proposition, how do you think the Cats might use it?

With all their loyalty discounts, the Cats have significant scope to "upgrade" a spot to an import, although much will depend on whether Redhage retires and/or whether they choose to use low-point players on one end of the bench.

I think they need to tweak their bench a little, bring in another SG or swingman (DKD?) perhaps to "replace" a retiring Redhage. But the ability to boost their "starting" lineup with another import is scary.
Assuming that Wagstaff exercises his option, and that Jervis is contracted, you'd have to think that Jawai would be up for replacement? Either go for
another Centre (like a Jackson, Gladness, or Ibekwe type), or go with Knight & Jervis at centre and bring in another PF? (Preferably one with a bit more range?)

So you'd effectively have:

Knight / Jervis
Import / Wagstaff (/ Knight)
Prather / Hire (/ Wagstaff)
Beal / DK-D (/ Kenny)
Martin / Kenny (/ Wroe)

It will be interesting to see what happens with Jawai. I have been expecting him to improve all season, but he seems to have plateaued. Cats figured out how to use him best, then other teams figured out how to negate him. He really does need to drop some weight and improve his speed. Can he do that in the off-season? He'll probably be rated around 9 points. Given his limited minutes, there MIGHT be better options around, especially if the 3-import rule gets up. I honestly think that Jervis is good enough to start at Centre if Jawai doesn't return. if that happens, maybe they get Nevill to appeal his points down to 1, and bring him back as back-up centre. LOL
Or Maybe there's a 7ft college player returning?

The starting PF spot is critical. I like Knight there for now. I think he's got a few good years left in him, especially as he can move to the bench and if necessary backup the 4 or 5.
To me, Wagstaff is a 6th man. I'm not sure he has what it takes to be a starter, but happy for him to share duties with Knight in 4. He has a better outside shot. But also would not be completely surprised to see him move on.
Redhage is rapidly moving to "depth only" status. He's going to depend on his points, whether he decides to retire, and how much space the Cats have.

I LIKE Prather, he is a gun, and once he gets used to the way the NBL is reffed, he will only get better. I like him either starting in the 3, provided we have big 4 and 5. (Or even off the bench as a swingman, depending on the final line-up.)
Not sure who backs him up? Hire is ok when he's not being forced into a 2/3 role. He can play D, and grab boards, and he can shoot from outside, but its limited. He's better in a 3/4 role.

I like Beal. He's not the best import around, but if he's going to stick around and get naturalised (and loyalty discount) then he's worth persisting with. Interesting to see what happens. I like the idea of continuity, but it seems to be the exception nowdays. Interesting to see what happens with his points. By my calcs he should be well under 9, but they seem reluctant to do that with imports.
Also interesting to see what happens with Kenny. He's a good back-up, and I HOPE we signed him to a multi-year deal, but if not his points could count against him. (Depends of course on rule changes and who is available.) I'd prefer a real dead-eyed 3-point shooter, but they don't grow on trees.
I like the sound of Dexter Kernich-Drew. He has been training with the Cats. I have seen him on game-night, very tall for a SG, apparently he can also play as a genuine swingman. He shot better than 50% from the arc in his senior year.
I hope his 4 games in Brazil don't count against him, although I had also heard that he had returned to Melbourne to play in the Big V.

Obviously Damo needs to remain at Point. Best defensive player in the league. Period.
Heart & Soul of the team.
I don't mind Kenny as backup PG, but Wroe also showed promise. He 'd be cheep, possibly even an 11th man.

My take on the Wildcats Points for next season:

Casey Prather - 10 (and worth it)
Damian Martin - 8 - 6 with discount
Greg Hire - 6 - 4 with discount
Jarrod Kenny - 5 (assuming he didn't sign longer)
Jermaine Beal - 10 (not worth it but he's an import)
Jesse Wagstaff - 8/9 - Stay at 8 - 6 with discount
Matthew Knight - 10 - 8 with discount
Nate Jawai - 9
Shawn Redhage - 6/7 - 2/3 with discount
Tom Jervis - 9 - stay at 7 with existing

By my count that should bring them in around 67/68.
Comfortable with room to manoeuvre.
The following will be interesting:
Kenny - How long is his contract?
Beal - By my calcs he's more like an 8/9 point player, but will probably stay at 10.
Knight - I don't think he should be 10 points by dint of his low minutes, but by my calcls thats where he'll be. I'd keep with the discount anyway.
Jawai - shouldn't be 9 points on his minutes, but again that's where I come. Wouldn't mind trading him for a genuine 10-pointer if available.
Redhage - He SHOULD drop to 6, but will they let him?

What is Cody's contract situation? Was it a one year or multi contract with the Hawks ?

At the end of the day, he was offered an opportunity and he took it. Got offered a better one with the Hawks, and moved on.
Clubs can really only afford 10 players, so its not like say AFL where they draft a rookie and just drop him in the WAFl for 3 years to see how he develops.
You may have a great young player coming back from college, but if there is no spot on your roster it's hard. He either comes as a development (or training) player, or he looks for a pay packet elsewhere.
Again, we MIGHT have a spot this year, but Ellis is contracted elsewhere (and may not even want to move)so we'll do what we always do and look for the best player available.
Again, its not like the AFL where a club drafts 3~6 players a year. Some years it may be only 1 or 2, an maybe you want guards when the local boys are all forwards...

Currently they have Greg Hire and Tom Jervis, both WA boys who have come up through the ranks.
The problem is that its not always possible to accommodate local talent, WHEN they want to be selected. If Ellis had been prepared to take a DP spot with the Cats when he returned from college he might have a spot now, but he thought he was good enough for a full contract and so signed with the Kings. We couldn't take him at the end of last season, because we already had a logjam on the bench.
You can only look at who is available when you have vacancies, or even potential vacancies. And the simple fact is, that if you put too high a preference on local talent, and the move is not reciprocated elsewhere, then you disadvantage your team.

Rhys Vague – WA

They don't even care about connecting with the basketball public, much less the WA basketball public specifically, and they've been quite up-front about that.

What are the chances of Perth keeping Prather. I like what I have seen of him this season and he has the potential to be even greater. Beal would have to be naturalised to be worth keeping around unless the 3 import rule comes about. He has been too inconsistent this year.

Rachael might play in a local league or somesuch, but nolonger WNBL, plus being a mum to 2 youngsters.

Beal has had some off games, but also some brilliant ones. Keep in mind that all that everyone remembers Ennis, it was Beal who stepped up in the finals.
Wait and see what happens this time as that could well determine his future.

Lisch was one of my favourite players, I was deeply saddened when he left, and would loved to have seen him back.

If anything, he should be the more likely to naturalise than Beal, but either/or, or the 3-import rule COULD see them in the same team.
But unless we bench Martin and push Beal to the point, its hard to see them lining up together.

As to who I would prefer? Lisch is better reveal due to his consistency, and his 3-point accuracy.
But dropping Beal to get Lisch is probably close to a nil-sum game.

And here's the rub. Rachael has retired and is a mum. Part of the attraction in returning to Aus was to be close to her folks & friends, and that means NSW. Not sure exactly where everybody lives, but I imagine the Lisch's have chosen to live within easy driving distance.
Plus Lisch has maintained a friendship with Bevo. Hawks is therefore really the perfect gig for him. I don't see him leaving for another NBL club.

Because he's playing for Bevo in his wife's home city?

3. Sign LeBron

I mean, if we're being unrealistic, why settle for Lisch?

Ennis is an enthralling prospect, if either Beal Naturalises (as suggested by ABC article) or 3-import rule gets up.
He's good enough to play the 4 spot in the NBL.
Or have him at 3, and Prather off the bench as a swingman.


There will be rumours of mass exodus, until the Cats start re-signing, it's just unfortunate that almost everyone is out of contract.

My understanding is that Martin signed a new contract this season, to take advantage of his drop in points.
He has previously stated that he considers Perth his home now, and doesn't plan to leave, but I can accept that these things can change.
Thing is that Martin, is not an offensive weapon, and at the Cats he doesn't have to be. But whilst I'm sure he is universally highly regarded, he's not going to be a great fit for any team.
Hawks WOULD be a good fit for him, but I figure they have broken the bank with Ogilvy and Lisch. Could they really afford to lure Damo away?

I love Jawai, and his body language is always really positive around the other guys. It will be interesting to see what his points come back at this year. Question is whether he and Jervis can play together. With support, Jervis is good enough to start at centre, and needs increased minutes, whilst we also need to see increased output from Jawai. Will also come down to how much Jawai is being paid...

My apologies to Tom Jervis, I thought he was an East Coast boy.

Scrap Nevill, start Jervis and push Burston to the bench (or retire him and keep Nevill).

Knight is from Tasmania right? He doesn't qualify for my "All WA (plus favourite imports)" team.