'Finding the right fit': Wildcats in no rush to sign third import
16 Jul
1
min read


The majority of last season's roster, which finished second on the home-and-away ladder on the way to a semi-final berth, have already committed to next season, including four-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton and fellow import Kristian Doolittle.
Every local spot is already locked in, with Australian-born US college star Elijah Pepper taking up the last position.
Pepper is one of just two new faces at this stage, alongside Spanish Next Star Izan Almansa who replaces No.2 NBA draft pick Alex Sarr.
Speaking at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Mills revealed the Wildcats weren't set on a specific position for their third import.
"We've got a lot of guys returning off a team that we really liked and had success with last year, so for us it's about finding the right fit," Mills explained.
"We had some success last year with some line-ups we feel very confident about going into the season with, so it's about looking at multiple different positions and finding a guy that fits in with Bryce, Keanu (Pinder), Kristian, Tai (Webster), Izan and Hyrum Harris and these guys who we know are going to play big minutes for us this year."
Mills said there was no rush completing the import puzzle with plenty of international talent on the market.
"We're open, you have to be in the NBL," he said.
"We're a transient league in terms of guys coming there and maybe using it as a stepping stone to get to the next level, whether that's the Euroleague or getting drafted to the NBA.
"We've got a lot of open communication with a lot of agents right now and players, and we're excited about the market.
"We think there's definitely some players that would be very good fits for our roster and we'll take as long as we need to get it done, but we're excited about where it could head."
Mills is one of several Wildcats staff in the US for Summer League including head coach John Rillie, who's part of New Orleans' coaching department, and assistant coach Keegan Crawford (Utah Jazz).

21 Feb
Damo's tribute to Cotton after 4th MVP award

19 Feb
Cotton wins fourth Andrew Gaze Trophy as NBL's best

19 Feb
Wildcats trio in the mix for NBL awards

17 Feb
Wildcats fall to JackJumpers in Hobart

16 Feb
DrinkWise game preview - Round 20: Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers

16 Feb
Boomer Ben! Henshall named in Australian squad

15 Feb
Injury-hit Wildcats go down to Hawks in Wollongong

14 Feb
DrinkWise game preview - Round 20: Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks

10 Feb
Wildcats thrash Cairns to secure top-two spot

9 Feb
DrinkWise game preview - Round 19: Perth Wildcats v Cairns Taipans

7 Feb
‘Definitely the right move’: Sarr’s agent praises Wildcats

5 Feb
'Really emotional day': Damo's No.53 retired in special ceremony

4 Feb
Wildcats fall short of comeback against Breakers

2 Feb
DrinkWise game preview: Round 18 - Perth Wildcats v NZ Breakers

2 Feb
The mantra leading to Wildcats' success

1 Feb
Attention, Red Army: Stick around for Damo's jersey retirement
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.


