Why Frazier II snubbed NBA for NBL

Perth Wildcats import Michael Frazier II has revealed why he turned down an NBA contract to join the NBL’s most successful franchise.

Frazier II had been offered a deal by the Toronto Raptors – where, ironically, he would have worked with former Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson – but instead decided to sign with the Wildcats.

“I was thinking about signing with the Raptors. They had offered me the contract. Everyone knew I was going to sign the Exhibit 10 with them and I was set on that,” Frazier II told The West Australian.

“That’s an NBA opportunity because you’re being seen by NBA teams and I’ve been called up before in the NBA. I know if you play well, you’ll get called up and Toronto is a great organisation for that.

“They call guys up who play well in their system and most of the guys in their team were in the G-League at some point in their career. They take it seriously. Had I stayed with Toronto, I would have been able to do the AmeriCup too.”

Despite the enticing opportunity to be in an NBA program, Frazier II explained how the opportunity to win championships attracted him to Perth.  

“My agent rang and said Perth were interested in signing me,” he said.

“He told me they were a successful club, I’d love it there and that coach Scott (Morrison) and (GM of Basketball Operations) Danny Mills were going to be part of the organisation and all about their winning history.

“Danny sent me a video of the fans and the city and I was taken aback by it. Talking to my agent, I said at this point in my career, I want to go to the place that is going to win. I know if I win, it opens up so many doors.

“That’s why I was so adamant about coming here. I want the opportunity to compete for a championship.”

Frazier II joins Todd Blanchfield, Jesse Wagstaff, Kevin White, Mitch Norton, Matthew Hodgson, Majok Majok, Bryce Cotton, Jack Purchase, Luke Travers, Vic Law, Corey Shervill and Kyle Zunic on the Wildcats’ roster this season.

Perth’s season tips-off on Friday December 3 against the Brisbane Bullets at RAC Arena. The game will begin at 9:30pm AEDT live on ESPN and Kayo Sports.