Wildcats, Kings in War of Words

Perth Wildcats owner Craig Hutchison has clapped back at the Sydney Kings, after their owner Paul Smith and former star Shane Heal ridiculed his club for missing finals for the first time in 35 years. 

Heal said he "loved seeing the Wildcats spiral out of the playoffs", while Smith stated he "enjoyed every minute" of the Wildcats' tough end to last season. 

The comments were made on the NBL23: Unrivalled documentary, which aired on Friday afternoon and is available on ESPN via Foxtel, Kayo Sports and 10play. 

Hutchison was quick to fire back at last year's champions. 

“The Sydney Kings, well done. They were the best team last year and they did everything other than be humble in the end,” he said on SEN.

“They won everything other than the humble stakes. There’s a way to win – that’s one way to do it.

“It does motivate us as an organisation to be our best self and we think we have a team that can match it with anyone this summer.”

The Kings claimed NBL22 bragging rights with a Grand Final series win over the Tasmania JackJumpers, while the Wildcats ultimately finished fifth. 

“They’ve (Perth) been at the pinnacle and benchmark of the NBL, you tip your hat to them,” Heal said. 

“Then they come in with new owners and a whole lot of turmoil and everything else. So you sit back in the east and you go 'yeah, okay, this is kind of good'.”

Smith has often clashed with the Wildcats, and laughed as he mentioned seeing Perth's playoff streak end.

“I love it. I love it. I enjoy every minute of it. I’m sorry, but I enjoy every minute of it,” he said.

Sydney Kings owner Paul Smith celebrates with Jaylen Adams after last season's championship.