Five names NBL contender could target after huge injury blow — including a two-time NBA All-Star

The Perth Wildcats, who currently sit fifth on the NBL ladder with a 13-10 record, are set to “evaluate all options” following crushing injury news on David Duke Jr.

It represents a significant blow for a Wildcats group searching for consistency as they attempt to build momentum heading into the playoffs. Duke Jr suffered two torn ligaments in his left elbow and could miss up to 12 weeks, despite avoiding surgery, as also reported by 10 News Perth’s Lachie Reid.

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With that timeline, Perth will almost certainly need to explore the market for a replacement, with an import signing the most likely outcome. Under NBL finals eligibility rules, a player must appear in seven games to qualify for postseason action, placing urgency on the Wildcats to act swiftly.

When assessing the current roster, the most pressing need is clear: a true point guard capable of running the offence. Perth require someone who can consistently organise the team, maximise the impact of key pieces such as Kristian Doolittle, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Dylan Windler, and still provide scoring punch at a high level.

Historically, the NBL has been a league dominated by elite point guards and small guards. The success of players such as Bryce Cotton, Jerome Randle and Casper Ware highlights the value of that position. That trend has continued into NBL26, where the consensus top three players in the league – Cotton, Kendric Davis and Nathan Sobey – are all primary ball-handlers.

With that context in mind, we examine five names that could realistically be on the Wildcats’ radar as they look to strengthen their roster and make a push during the back end of the season.

GARY BROWNE

When assessing experienced point guards with a proven NBL track record, Gary Browne fits the profile. Browne spent two seasons with the South East Melbourne Phoenix as their starting point guard and, during the 2023-24 season, averaged 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 39 per cent from the field.

Now a free agent, the 32-year-old stands at 6’1” and remains an active contributor at international level. Most recently, Browne represented Puerto Rico in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers against Jamaica, where he averaged 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, along with one steal and just one turnover, in only 14 minutes per game.

Browne’s most recent professional season came in Puerto Rico with Vaqueros de Bayamon, where he played alongside Illawarra Hawks centre JaVale McGee and former NBA players Danilo Gallinari and Chris Duarte. Browne was a key piece of a championship-winning roster, averaging 9.8 points, 3.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game throughout the campaign.

Puerto Rico has continued to strengthen its ties with the NBL, with several league players spending time there during the offseason, while Josh King also made the move to coach in the competition. That connection further reinforces Browne’s familiarity with the NBL landscape and style of play.

From a basketball fit perspective, Browne shapes as an ideal option for a Wildcats team in need of a pass-first point guard who can still score when required. His strength in the pick-and-roll would be particularly valuable alongside bigs such as Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Kristian Doolittle, while his experience and composure make him a reliable option in late-game situations.

ASHTON HAGANS

Some NBL fans may recognise the name Ashton Hagans following the offseason, where he initially signed with the Cairns Taipans before being released due to personal reasons. Hagans would later join the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association, but was released by the club in recent days, making him a free agent.

Hagans is 26 years old, stands at 6’3”, and brings NBA experience after spending time with both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers. During the 2022–23 season with Portland, Hagans appeared in 19 games, averaging 4.2 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game while shooting 40 per cent from the field.

That same season, while playing in the NBA G League with the Greensboro Swarm, Hagans delivered one of the most notable performances of his professional career, recording a triple-double that included 22 assists – tied for the second-most in G League history.

From a fit perspective, Hagans offers exactly what the Wildcats are currently lacking. He provides strong ball-handling, high-level playmaking, and the ability to control tempo while organising teammates on both ends of the floor. His vision and passing would allow Perth to better initiate offence, create structure, and fully utilise the scoring options around him.

JOSH ADAMS

Josh Adams is now 32 years old and stands at 6’2”, but the former Tasmania JackJumpers and Brisbane Bullets guard remains a free agent and could be a name worth monitoring for the Wildcats.

During the JackJumpers’ inaugural NBL season, Adams played a pivotal role, averaging 16.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 40 per cent from the field and 34 per cent from three-point range. His impact was recognised with All-NBL Second Team honours as he helped lead Tasmania to a Grand Final appearance in the club’s first year in the competition.

Adams most recently featured in the NBL last season with the Brisbane Bullets, where he averaged 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals per game. He shot 43 per cent from the field and 30 per cent from beyond the arc while playing 25 minutes per contest.

While Adams has not played since departing the Bullets, his experience, leadership and ability to provide instant offence remain valuable traits.

Although he is not a traditional pass-first point guard like some of the other options, Adams would offer a scoring punch and competitive edge that the Wildcats have at times lacked this season, particularly in late-game situations.

DESHON TAYLOR

Deshon Taylor has made two appearances in the NBL, previously suiting up for the Sydney Kings and, more recently, the Cairns Taipans. The 29-year-old, 6’2” point guard joined the Taipans as an injury replacement following Pedro Bradshaw’s setback.

Taylor appeared in three games for Cairns, averaging 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds per game, before departing for Finland to join KTP-Basket. There, he found greater rhythm, averaging 12.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest.

Currently a free agent, Taylor has built a diverse professional resume that includes stints in New Zealand, Hungary and Turkey, along with NBA Summer League experience with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. That background highlights his adaptability across different systems and styles of play.

While it may be unlikely that Taylor emerges as a primary target for the Wildcats, his skill set aligns with the type of guard Perth would require if given the opportunity. He offers a controlled, ball-dominant playstyle capable of initiating offence and providing structure, should the Wildcats look further afield for depth or a short-term solution.

ISAIAH THOMAS

It would not be an NBL season without Isaiah Thomas’ name entering the conversation. The 36-year-old point guard, who stands at 5’9”, has long been linked to the league, particularly following comments made to SEN Tasmania where he stated, “I’m not turning down no offers down there, I’m available.”

A two-time NBA All-Star in 2016 and 2017, Thomas was also named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2017. Across his NBA career, he averaged 17.5 points, 4.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 43 per cent from the field, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive guards during his peak.

From a Wildcats perspective, Thomas would immediately address a key area of need. He brings elite scoring ability, strong decision-making and a high basketball IQ on the offensive end. As outlined earlier, the NBL continues to be driven by dominant point guards, with Bryce Cotton, Kendric Davis and Nathan Sobey widely regarded as the league’s top three players.

Beyond on-court impact, a signing of this magnitude would be significant for the league as a whole. Adding another high-profile NBA name would further elevate the NBL’s global profile, following recent star power additions such as Montrezl Harrell and JaVale McGee.

The Wildcats will need to act swiftly to address the loss of Duke Jr.

While Duke Jr has delivered a strong season, the current situation highlights a broader need within the roster – a true point guard capable of leading the team and organising the offence, while easing the load on Jaron Rillie.

Perth have added high-level scoring talent this season in players such as Mason Jones and Duke Jr, and with multiple offensive options already available, the priority now shifts to finding a floor general. Someone who can control tempo, bring structure, and steady the group in key moments is required to balance the roster and maximise the talent already in place.

The responsibility now sits with General Manager Danny Mills and owner Mark Arena to identify the right fit and commit the necessary resources. With the Wildcats aiming to remain firmly in the championship conversation in NBL26, decisive action will be critical as they look to keep pace with contenders such as the Adelaide 36ers, Sydney Kings and South East Melbourne Phoenix.