Yeah, I don't know what Gleeson's motives were the other day for downplaying the spot and just saying he wanted someone to set good screens and get some boards. I guess because quality bigs are rare and expensive so he knows he can't set the bar too high.
Angus was an import-calibre weapon in the middle. With his backup gone as well I don't think we want to be downgrading too much at that spot. The 5 spot will be what brings us back to the pack I think.

Kay can't compete with Boone, Long, Bogut and he shouldn't have to, Cats need to get someone in this calibre at least height wise or we won't be going b2b that's for sure.

Gleeson said something along the lines of over 7fters not doing too well in the NBL history wise, also think Tacko may make an NBA roster.

A good screener is paramount! Cotton, clint and terrico need to be freed up. We rely on o boards and second chance points too.

It would be bloody terrific to not be bottom in the league for blocks this season so I'd love a Mickell Gladness type rim protector that changes shots.

We had the exact player you are all clamouring for and now he's in Cairns after only a year back with us so safe to say Gleeson doesn't see a need for a big seven foot centre.

Jervis only returned to QLD for family reasons.
Plus he struggled for much of the season and was nowhere near starting quality, so its largely irrelevant to this conversation.

Yes, Kay can play some minutes at the 5, and inevitably injury and fouls will mean he does. But that also means the ageing Wagstaff or Vague playing more minutes.

We are the reigning champions, and an "ok" centre would keep us competitive. But everyone else is looking to improve, so we need to step it up a notch. Keep in mind that for all his weaknesses, Hire was a tough defender and good rebounder, so we will miss that.

I'd love to have somebody like Tacko, if only so he could reject a few of Bogut's shots. :-)

But I think the issue with guys over 7ft is that they can tend to be slow and uncoordinated (like Nevill) and if not are generally too good for our league.
Even Gladness, who people still rave about, was under 7'.

Christian Wood was released by Pelicans today, wasn't he someone the Cats were linked to previously?

"They'll get a Jameel McKay type (hopefully better). Gleeson does't really do demanding big scorers. The most his offense allows is the odd post up for Kay. Rebound, block shots and play solid D will be the import 5's key requirements"

I tend to agree with this, with the emphasis on better.

"Brandt just signed in Italy, Pitsioa in there top division, good luck to him"

Well done.

Eric Mika would be the perfect replacement for Brandt.

Unfortunately Perth won't be bringing in Amile Jefferson. After averaging a double double in the G league last season and performing well in Vegas SL Orlando have offered him a one year contract.

Who are potential recruits ?
Any rumours

Amile Jefferson.

Rumours flying thick and fast, but I currently don't put much stock in any of them.
Perhaps the most interesting is the contention that Wildcats are not 100% sold on an import being the answer and are in fact still in talks with Australian options. I say it's "interesting" but have no reason to think its any more accurate than others.

One name thrown around for an import is Kevin Hervey, but he's a PF and not overly tall (unless he has grown since his stats were published?)

Hmm, of the top of my head, I can only think of Bairstow, maybe Jawai. I thought Reath had signed a long-term contract in Serbia?

The guys who generally have a good inside line on the Cats aren't saying much, and the rest is just talk really.

In terms of starting centre:
Brock Motum would've fit the bill perfectly imho (4-5) but money wise we prob can’t compete with Europe. Believe he just signed for 2 years recently.

Jawai is getting older, slower (if possible) & injuries might start to become a factor. Also a huge liability on D with the pick & roll.

Bairstow I’d be worried with his injury history.

The NBL is a guards league & big guys over 7" generally don’t work too well (Nevill). They need to be a bit more mobile, rebound well, can shoot, set a good pick, switch on D etc. Tacko Fall would be interesting viewing esp live as a member but I think this experiment would fail. Also suspect he’ll sign with a NBA roster.

Surprised we didn’t go for Josh Boone or maybe we did & he declined. A Jameel McKay type but doesn’t travel every time he gets the ball & generally a bit better all round. But you get what you pay for, McKay was cheap, same with Cooke Jnr. Spend a little extra & get someone slightly better. If it means going over the soft cap & paying some luxury tax then so be it - Melb & Syd would def be over.

In terms of the bench centre:
Jervis was cod ordinary last year (excluding the Grand Final match). Fouled way too much & not the same player he was the last time he was with us. Don’t think the Cats would’ve wanted him back this year.

Interested to see how Majok Majok goes. He’s been used sparingly the last few years. Believe we have had our eye on him for a while. Thinking we got him reasonably cheap given his seldom use & hopefully we can use him better than others.

Also losing Nielsen is a major blow with two new centres this year.

Oh and lastly had to laugh at who mentioned Pledger dominating Jervis or whoever last year. I agree Pledger is very good on the offensive end but he is the exact opposite on the defence side. That’s why he’s not a starter. Opposition coaches must love when he’s on the floor, pick & roll all day.

To be fair, at least 50% of Jameel's travels were not actually travels.

McKay was good once he got settled.
But there were rumours about more than one player falling fouling of team policies.

Any shortcomings paled when compared to Derek "2 left feet" Cooke.

In other circumstances I would agree that Perth would be going for a McKay type, looking only to supplement, but given the improvements elsewhere I wonder...

Can't wait to find out

"But there were rumours about more than one player falling fouling of team policies."

Have a mate that played for Rockingham with DKD...he had some stories about McKay...

Do tell.

"Do tell."

Let's just say The Cats probably had review their team policies to include appropriate behaviour or team trips when sharing hotel rooms. :P

Just saw that Greg Monroe signed overseas, he would've done ok in the NBL.

What's happened to Roy Hibbert?

@Senator11 ewwww! I feel sorry for whoever had to room with him.

I wonder if we would sign Ibekwe, could you imagine having the sharpest elbows ever throwing those around... terrible player but good gap filler until we sign a true import big.