With the Perth Wildcats set to face Melbourne United in the Play-In game – where the winner advances to face the Sydney Kings – four-time NBL champion and Wildcats legend Ricky Grace has questioned his former club’s roster construction.
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“I said at the beginning of the season, they need a Ricky Grace, but that wasn’t pumping my tyres. I was saying that they needed a point guard,” Grace said on NBL Now.
“There’s no way you can expect (Kristian) Doolittle to bring the ball up the court, to be the starter as well as the finisher and sustain that over a full game.
“After Wednesday, teams know if you’re playing the Wildcats, you’ve got to pressure them, because they just don’t have anyone that can control it.”
The Wildcats were outplayed by South East Melbourne on Wednesday night, falling 111-94. Alarmingly, Perth committed 17 turnovers – five from Doolittle, while Ben Henshall and Dylan Windler had four each.
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr was limited to just 17:29 due to foul trouble, while the Phoenix racked up 12 steals and repeatedly disrupted Perth’s offence, often preventing them from cleanly getting the ball over halfway.
With Shea Ili, Tyson Walker and Milton Doyle, Melbourne United have the personnel to apply similar pressure and follow the same blueprint. But Grace believes Perth must lean further into their import guard.
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“David Duke Jr – physically, athletically, mentally – he can match it when the kitchen gets hot,” Grace said.
“I would start David Duke. Give him a go.”
In Perth’s sole win over United this season, Duke Jr delivered 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, finishing +10 in the 96-84 victory.
United hold a 2-1 edge in the season series, with both sides chasing a spot in the semi-finals against the Sydney Kings.