Report: Perth’s missing piece? Star import emerges as prime target

Perhaps the biggest talking point around the Perth Wildcats this year was their perceived missing link at the point guard position.

Perth opted to stick with their roster when David Duke Jr went down with a long-term injury, but ultimately fell short in the Playoffs once again. That has since prompted the GM of Basketball Operations Danny Mills to admit they “clearly have to address that” in the off-season.

Now, Melbourne United import Tyson Walker is emerging as a potential target for John Rillie’s side, according to reports.

“The two teams I have heard are the Perth Wildcats and the South East Melbourne Phoenix,” ESPN’s Olgun Uluc said of the interest surrounding the star guard.

The 25-year-old averaged 14.3 points and 4.4 assists per game in NBL26 and appears set to move on from United.

“They’re the two teams that make a whole lot of sense,” NBL champion Pete Hooley said on The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.

“There was a time early in NBL26 where we thought he would have an extension with Melbourne United and then that didn’t eventuate for whatever reason.

“To get an import who’s already been here and understands how the League is played and officiated, for those two fits in particular, I think would be very, very good for both teams.

“He’s more than capable of being a strong offensive threat, but defensively he was unbelievable last year.

“You’re looking at one of the best two way players in the League.”

Hooley believes Walker is a natural fit in Perth’s system.

“If Perth can go and get that done, you have arguably the best two two-way players in the League, in Kristian Doolittle and Tyson Walker,” he said.

But Walker could fit just as seamlessly at another Playoff contender, the Phoenix.

“With Owen Foxwell not going to be there for the Phoenix, when all that gets figured out, I would think he’d slot in seamlessly,” Hooley added.

“With the Phoenix, you look at the style of play, the Josh King style of play, Tyson Walker feels like a Josh King type of player,” Uluc continued.

“We all agree he’d be exceptionally good in his second year. I think it will be a substantial increase compared to his first season.”