451-game NBA veteran Brandon Knight is set to make his Perth Wildcats debut when the club hosts the New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena on Saturday night. The club and NBL confirmed the import guard will take the court in Round 4, with tip-off at 6:30pm AWST (9:30pm AEDT).
Knight signed with Perth in September to complete the Wildcats’ Hungry Jack’s NBL27 roster. The 34-year-old was the No.8 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and played 451 games across nine NBA seasons, averaging 14 points, 3.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds, NBL.com.au reported.
He has since played in Puerto Rico and Greece, including a stint with AEK Athens, and was named MVP of the Puerto Rican league in 2023 after leading the competition at 23.3 points per game.
Club confirms Saturday debut
The Wildcats said Knight will join the lineup for the first time against New Zealand as Perth chase a fourth straight win. The side sits 3-1 after consecutive victories over Adelaide, the Breakers and South East Melbourne, including a 92-88 revenge win over South East Melbourne.
Head coach John Rillie indicated at Friday’s press conference that the former NBA guard would have some restriction on his minutes.
“It’ll just be good to get him out there, get him back playing some basketball in front of our fans,” Rillie said, according to the club.
Speaking earlier to SEN WA Breakfast, Rillie said debuting Knight on Saturday was the aim after strong practice sessions.
“He’s performing well on the practice court,” Rillie said. “All things are heading that way, but we want to make sure we’re setting him up for success,” as carried by SEN / NBL.com.au.
Young backcourt already firing
Knight joins a Perth backcourt featuring Elijah Pepper and Anthony Dell’Orso. Pepper has delivered back-to-back 25-point games, while Dell’Orso has also been a key early contributor. Former NBL MVP Derek Rucker said the form around Knight should let the import “feel out the League, see what’s going on, and find his way to impact games,” NBL.com.au reported.
Rillie said getting players back into more natural roles as Knight beds in should help the group.
“I think getting guys back into their more natural positions will lead to better success for the group and individuals as well,” he said.
Breakers threat: Parker Jackson-Cartwright
New Zealand arrive at 3-2 after winning their past two games, including an 88-72 road win over Adelaide. MVP contender Parker Jackson-Cartwright had 27 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in that win, and scored 29 against Perth in Round 2.
Pepper said limiting Jackson-Cartwright’s early momentum would be critical. “Once he gets going, he’s kind of almost impossible to stop,” Pepper said.
Saturday’s fixture is also the Wildcats’ Mental Health Game, presented by Rio Tinto, supporting Lifeline WA. Coverage is live on ESPN, 9 and 9Now from 9:30pm AEDT.
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