Statement of intent: JLA in, title talk begins

If there was any debate this off-season about who owns the best frontcourt in NBL26, the Perth Wildcats have made a compelling case.

They’ve added Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. to an already formidable pairing in Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle.

“I really anticipate a big season from him, because there is space for him to do stuff as an offensive player, which we know is what he is,” Derek Rucker said on The Marketplace.

“It’s tough to see who has more talent. Kristian Doolittle, coming off of a second half of a season which we now expect him to be an MVP contender. Dylan Windler, who showed what he’s capable of when he’s healthy, that guy is a really good basketball player.

“Now you throw a supreme marquee player into the mix, and Perth have every right to think that their frontline is as strong as anybody else’s in this competition.”

“They have created an incredible frontcourt and JLA is now the best local on that team, and I think he changes their title prospects significantly,” ESPN’s Olgun Uluc added.

“He’s someone who fits really well with Kristian Doolittle in that front court.”

Lual-Acuil Jr. cemented his reputation in the NBL across four seasons with Melbourne United, where he was crowned Best Sixth Man and helped the club to a championship in 2021 - two of many standout achievements during his time there.

“This is a substantial signing, not just in its value, but in the Wildcats’ ability to compete going into this season,” Olgun said.

“This is clearly a market mandate. There is no doubt right now that JLA has captured lightning in a bottle,” Rucker continued.

“He has the Perth Wildcats where he wanted them. He had all the leverage in this situation and the Perth Wildcats, just like that, are back in the equation. They looked really dire just a few days ago when we were in Las Vegas.”

Just days after GM of Basketball Danny Mills urged the Red Army to stay patient in a chat with Pete Hooley, the Wildcats have delivered in a big way - pulling off one of the most significant off-season signings of the year.