Gordon Herbert says the New Zealand Breakers have lost both point guards and their secondary ball handler: Parker Jackson-Cartwright is out, Preston Le Gassick "gone", two imports missing, James hurt preseason. "It's like being out in a rowboat without oars."
Brandon Knight played his first game since around July in Puerto Rico, and Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie isn't worried by his 5 turnovers: "we're just drip-feeding him." Knight will be better for playing, he said. Dylan Windler said Perth is still without Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.
Nelson Watley, the New Zealand Breakers' incoming signing, won't fill in at point guard. "He's not a point guard," Gordon Herbert said; Watley was signed to defend. Carlin Davison, a forward, ran the point with 11 assists. Watley's timeline? "I have no idea."
Sam Mennenga said the New Zealand Breakers' plan without Parker Jackson-Cartwright was to "play inside out." On 7 turnovers: "if I cleaned up, we could have been in a better position to win the basketball game." Gordon Herbert, asked about a player on crutches, gave no status.
Brandon Knight is "looking promising" to play for Perth, John Rillie said, depending how he pulls up, with a minutes limit if cleared. Anthony Dell'Orso's ankle is fine: "He likes looking for attention." Asked when Jo Lual-Acuil Jr returns, Rillie wouldn't commit.
Elijah Pepper will have the ball less now Brandon Knight is in, Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie said: "his usage won't be at the same level as it has been, but then he can become a more efficient player." It also moves players back to their natural positions, he said.
Marley Sam has been reminded "like 5 times" that Parker Jackson-Cartwright will come at him, Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie said, after a rough first meeting. Sam's early minutes owe to "who we can suit up and who we can't." On the guard: "you're not going to stop him."
"Put him in the starting lineup." Derek Rucker wants Perth to start Brandon Knight and make him the primary perimeter defender on Adelaide's and Sydney's top guards. He told Knight: "We didn't bring you here just to cruise around like you played in the NBA for a long time."