Hoops

Likelihood of Prather NBA call-up?

The biggest contributor to Prather not making the NBA is his inability to shoot the 3 at a good clip, he's had 3 years to improve in that area and hasn't done enough to warrant an NBA call up yet so it is highly unlikely he will get a call up. Goulding has no chance, he has been on the NBA radar in the past but as mentioned earlier he hasn't shown the ability to have an impact outside of the NBL and there are far better options for NBA teams in the G League and Europe.

NBA is always "right place, right time" to a certain extent, but for someone in Prather's position at this time of year, it'd take some serious luck for him to get a call up, I would've thought.

Not impossible though. If he shoots 30 against OKC, and there's a team who happens to be looking for a third string small forward, he might get a call for a try-out. So- a small chance of a try-out, and from there, a small chance of getting signed. Summary: Unlikely...

Misread it^

But yeah it makes sense that he'll stay the season's entirety

Ah, so he turned down a two-way contract?

I just assumed he wasn't offered one

I agree. I think United fans can feel pretty secure that they won't lose him. I think he is NBA quality but if he was going to go then it would have happened by now. This pathway is now exhausted. If he is serious about an NBA gig he should have changed course instead of signing in the NBL again.

The NBA knows what Goulding is after a few summer leagues, a stint in europe and an Olympic campaign. There are a lot more better at his role closer to home. Prather won't or shouldn't be called up on the basis of one game. Going to the G-league would've served as a better platform to consistently remind teams of his potential playing against guys on two way contracts, not saying it can't happen with the path he's chosen just that its unlikely.

Is it it plausible that a dominant showing vs OKC could lead to a call up? or even them or another club pinching Goulding?

I'm looking forward to see how Prather goes as "the guy" against an NBA squad.

Damn, you're right. Everyone listens to Perth fans

What if the scouts read the thread of salty Wildcats fans saying the loss of Prather is no big deal?

Another tight season in the mens too. Eagles, Flames, Bearcats and Sabres can all put off their Mad Monday because they’re playing finals. Mavs, Lions and Tigers can all drown their sorrows. Those three teams can fight it out for the wooden spoon. Whilst the Tigers look set to secure it, the Mavs have got one foot in the grave and while the Lions might catch them, another McKillop miracle could see the Tigers off the bottom.

5th spot comes down to 3 teams.
North (5th 8-6)
South (6th 7-7)
Woodville (7th 7-8)

North have Mavs, @Lions, @Tigers and Eagles to finish up with. They have beaten all four so far this season, so for them, 12-6 is not out of the question, but 10-8 most likely. Fans would be disappointed if they ended up 9-9.
South have West, @Sturt, Flames, @Mavs. A tough run home and should end up 9-9. They need to win all 4 to make sure of finals so destiny is in their own hands.
Woodville have @Flames, Mavs and @Lions. They need all 3 to get up, but are likely to fall just short after a loss to the Flames. An upset away win keeps them in the hunt.

The battle in the bottom half has taken an interesting turn. Lions are now +5 on the split with the Mavs and are one game behind them. They finish up with @Tigers, North, @Eagles, @Flames, and Woodies. Mavs go @North, Eagles, @Woodville, and South. The Mavs could end up 0-4 on their run home and so the final game of Lions-Woodville could be a dead rubber for Woodville, might just see the Lions with added incentive to get a W and send the Mavs to 9th. For the Tigers to get off the bottom, they need to get some unlikely wins against @West and @Sturt.

I reckon North with round out the 5 with South lamenting the season.