In the last couple of seasons, we’ve seen a few changes to the NBL, including changes to the finals structure and the addition of new teams. The result has been a more entertaining and competitive league.
Since the retirement of club legend Damian Martin, the Perth Wildcats haven’t been the dominant force that we’re used to seeing, largely driven by their struggles on the defensive end of the court. This upcoming season could change that with some big changes to the team line-up.
Outgoing players
The Perth Wildcats have parted ways with a number of players in an attempt to rebuild the team around star guard Bryce Cotton.
Former Wildcats development player, Luke Travers, left the club as a free agent and has now signed a contract with bitter rivals Melbourne United.
After five years with the team, crowd favourite, Mitch Norton, is also departing along with Todd Blanchfield.
Incoming Players
To bolster the team for NBL24, a number of new players have been signed. Perth local Keanu Pinder has joined the Wildcats after a two-year stint with the Cairns Taipans where he won consecutive NBL Most Improved Player awards. He joins the team as a forward, bringing rebounding and athleticism, which are areas that the team lacked last season.
2021 WABL Player of the Year, Ben Henshall, has also joined the Wildcats on a two-year deal and will play the guard position.
Young power forward David Okwera returns to Perth after a stint with Melbourne United. He brings with him a reputation for being a strong defender, using his length to protect the rim and bring down much-needed boards.
Perth Wildcats NBL24 Schedule
The Perth Wildcats open their NBL24 season at home against the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers — a team that recently entered the league and became an instant contender. The Wildcats will be aiming to start the season with a statement so you’ll want to secure tickets to this one and cheer them on as they demolish the Jack Jumpers.
Our pick of home games to go to
- Melbourne United — Friday, October 13th
- Adelaide 36ers — Friday, October 6th
- Sydney Kings — Friday, December 1st
- South East Melbourne Phoenix — Saturday, January 13th
Full home schedule
| Day | Date | Team |
| Friday | September 29, 2023 | Tasmania JackJumpers |
| Friday | October 6, 2023 | Adelaide 36ers |
| Friday | October 10, 2023 | Melbourne United |
| Friday | October, 27, 2023 | Brisbane Bullets |
| Saturday | November 4, 2023 | Adelaide 36ers |
| Friday | November 10, 2023 | New Zealand Breakers |
| Thursday | November 16, 2023 | Cairns Taipans |
| Friday | December 1, 2023 | Sydney Kings |
| Friday | December 15, 2023 | Tasmania JackJumpers |
| Saturday | January 13, 2024 | South East Melbourne Phoenix |
| Friday | January 19, 2024 | Brisbane Bullets |
| Thursday | January 25, 2024 | Illawarra Hawks |
| Sunday | February 4, 2024 | New Zealand Breakers |
| Saturday | February 10, 2024 | Cairns Taipans |
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Lead image: supplied
