Unexpected? It's been reported for weeks now that it was going to happen.

Haven't seen a thing here (or elsewhere).

https://www.hoops.com.au/forum/47929-potential-signings/

Lachy Reid tweeted it out late in December. I think it was doing the rounds a bit before that as well.

posed in the forum nbl potential signings but don't blame u for posting

And first one cut when cotton gets the citizenship...

When Cotton is naturalised, is Plumlee a given?

The way Gaze spoke on today's NBL pod, it sounded like the Cats are planning a different direction.

Yeah, cos every rumour posted on hoops always comes to fruition...
Not sure how we're going to fit all of Maker, Broekhoff, Bolden, etc into the team.

Like most Cats fans, I love Tommy, and I think its awesome that he and his family have finally returned home.
But fmd our lineup looks pathetic.

I don't mind Tommy as a replacement for Jook. But not sure wtf Bairstow is doing here?

Bairstow is your majok replacement idk why they signed him tho had better options

It's puzzling for sure.
During Gleeson's time, we've had a weak player here and there, especially on the end of the bench. And he's given some young guys a go, without too much success. But gees this is a weak lineup.
White, Blanch, Bairstow, and now Jervis. And it's not like there's huge upside to these guys.

It's hard to predict with covid how some teams will go, missing home games and such, but this doesn't fill me with confidence.
Hope seems to be riding on the DPs.

I guess I can just hope that they are keeping their powder dry for when Cotton Naturalises, and they will spend big on an import gun.

Probably four guys on Perth's 10 man roster that wouldn't make any other roster in the league. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Kevin White, J. Bairstow and now a retired Tom Jervis.

A few upsides for Perth

- Blanchfield has had a hot and cold career. Which one will turn up? Hard to tell but Gleeson could get the best out of him

- If Mooney's no good, I expect Perth to sack him and bring in a better replacement. All of a sudden you have Cotton with another gun import, a better version of Blanchfield as a 3rd wheel, and a bunch of experienced role players.

And of course there's always the chance they get Maker, Bolden or someone. Plus the Cotton naturalization option

If Perth struggles with this current lineup as expected, I just can't imagine them sitting idle and falling too deep into a hole. If they get down to 2-8 or something, fully expect them to pull the trigger. That might be too far back but with them, but I'd never write them off.

If Cats can 3peat with this lineup I think it's safe to say Gleeson would be the undisputed GOAT coach of the NBL.

To be fair to Angus this rumour was only speculated by Lachy because Jervis was heading back to WA, I play ball with a couple of guys who are in the SBL circle and last week they were certain Jervis would be suiting up in the SBL. I'd still presume that as soon as Cotton has naturalised Gleeson will make some changes, if Jervis isn't going great then either him or Bairstow prob get the chop for an import C, if our scoring is lacking then we prob go that way and maybe get an import PG or PF and play Mooney at the C. I dunno, something will change.

Perth have

The best coach in the comp

A perennial MVP candidate

A bunch of experienced role players who know the system- Norton, Wagstaff, Steindl

Huge home court advantage with crowd (even 50%), travel and refs

Those things suggest they'll be very competitive

This is why Mooney and Blanchfield so crucial. Or Cotton's naturalisation. Or signing a big Aussie fish.

They just need enough support at the 2nd and 3rd option behind Cotton. That's what their season hinges upon

and refs

Ah.... you can always tell the posts about Perf because the heat factor gets turned up

"Punters that don't know shit are writing them off, there is no guarantee in sport but Perth certainly won't lay down. They have always been able to adjust mid season, write them off at your own peril."

Punters that do know shit aren't exactly lining this squad up for a title either?

Yes Perth won't lay down and yes previously they have been able to adjust personal and make the playoffs but this team as it stands is a massive downgrade on last season so rightfully people have them outside the 4.

To be fair, I don't see many "writing Perth off", nor do I even see the usual "we hate Perf". The comments are mostly accurate.

If we look at a starting five of Norton, Cotton, Travers/Blanchfield, Mooney, and Import. There is huge potential there. It could become the strongest in the league.
It could also suck balls.

I think what is most worrying is not knowing how and where Perth is sitting budget wise. Are they sitting on a "War Chest" ready to ring in the changes needed, or have they been forced to tighten their belts?

And yes, I supposed it's irrational, but the streak is meaningful, and we want to see it continue. Remains to be seen, but there could be 7 other teams seriously competing for a finals slot.

Generally the jist of the conversation is correct.

Perth's roster has undergone a significant downgrade.

If you replace :
- Damian Martin
- Nick Kay
- Miles Plumlee
- Terrico White

With :

- Kevin White.
- John Mooney
- Tom Jervis
- Bairstow

You are going to struggle without extra assistance.

Actually it's:

Out

Nick Kay
Terrico White
Miles Plumlee
Damian Martin
Majok Majok*
Rhys Vague

In

John Mooney
Todd Blanchfield
Kevin White
Jarred Bairstow
Tom Jervis

*Out for the season

One aspect of this season that excites me is seeing how Wani goes, he's been around the team for a short while now, you'd imagine that Cotton could get more minutes at PG this season and if you compare him to Sunday Dech (who unless I'm mistaken lost his spot to Wani) and how a Dech in this team for say Kevin White makes them look much stronger then the pressure should be on Wani.

Is this the final year of his contract? Would he be offered a new one based on performances for the Wildcats?

The kid is 17 or 18 years old and has had one pro season, most of which was spent on the injury list. And we're asking if he's done enough? Fuck outta here.

If Perth struggles with this current lineup as expected, I just can't imagine them sitting idle and falling too deep into a hole. If they get down to 2-8 or something, fully expect them to pull the trigger.

They play different roles, but no, I believe that Dech turned down what was offered, which is why Wani was signed. I think.

Anyway he was signed to a 3 year deal, so this is only his 2nd season.

Done enough? He's been sidelined a couple of times with significant injuries. So to date, I'd say he's been unlucky. He's still just a kid, so hopefully he can put the injuries behind him, and start to string some games together.

My long-term worry continues to be the PG role. Dech was being groomed as the next bench PG, then when he left we signed Brit. He looked promising, but haven't seen much so far this year. Signing White just indicates the depth of the hole.

wow... these anonymous guys

As for pulling the trigger, yeah I do wonder what the plans are, and when they will be implemented.
At the time, it appeared the Cats were legitimately keen on Reath staying in Perth, but since that time Covid has continued to screw things up.

I've no doubt that Perth (along with several other teams) will be keeping tabs on potential returnees. But it's not like the "good old days" when a player could zigzag across the world in a few days, and be suiting up a few days later. Nor are free agents welcome to just drop in and train anywhere to keep in shape.
With the fixtures still volatile, the timeline for trigger pulling is problematic.

I still assume that Cotton will naturalise soonish. But do the Cats plan to take advantage of that this season?

They certainly don't give the appearance of a club going all in for a 3 peat. Could be they will be happy to maintain the streak, and most fans would be happy with that.